Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Paisley Shawl' (v)

Water

The common name for Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Paisley Shawl' (v) is Coleus. Coleus should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which usually means watering approximately once a week. It's important to water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, Coleus may require more frequent watering, such as twice a week, especially if it's in a warmer, brighter spot. The amount of water needed can vary, but a good rule is to apply about 16-24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot during each watering session.

Light

Coleus thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct morning sun. It's best to place the plant in a location where it receives plenty of light without being exposed to harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east- or north-facing window would be an ideal spot for this plant, offering the light conditions it needs to maintain vibrant foliage.

Temperature

Coleus prefers temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Ideally, keep your Coleus in a warm room away from cold drafts and fluctuating temperatures to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning Coleus stimulates bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch off the tips of the stems every few weeks during the growing season to encourage fuller foliage. The best time to prune is in the spring and throughout the summer, aligning with the plant's active growth phase.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coleus 'Paisley Shawl' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would involve equal parts of peat, perlite, and potting soil to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Coleus 'Paisley Shawl' should be repotted every one to two years or when it outgrows its current pot, to provide fresh nutrients and to accommodate its growing roots.

Humidity & Misting

Coleus 'Paisley Shawl' prefers a high humidity environment, ideally between 40-60%, to maintain its vibrant foliage and overall health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Coleus in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Grow Coleus in partial shade and keep soil consistently moist.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Paisley Shawl' (v), commonly known as Coleus 'Paisley Shawl', begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown and provided with the right conditions (warmth and moisture), germinates and sprouts into a seedling. As it grows, it develops a root system and true leaves emerge, showcasing the plant's characteristic vibrant foliage patterns. In the vegetative stage, 'Paisley Shawl' Coleus can be pinched back to encourage branching, resulting in a fuller plant. The plant may produce flower spikes during its maturation stage, but these are often removed to maintain foliage vigor and prevent seeding. Coleus 'Paisley Shawl' is typically treated as an annual, completing its life cycle within one growing season; however, it can be overwintered indoors or propagated via cuttings to preserve desired traits. If left to complete its life cycle, it would eventually set seed before dying, starting the cycle anew if conditions permit.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Paisley Shawl', commonly known as Coleus, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This can be done at any time during its growing season, which typically ranges from spring through summer. To propagate by stem cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering stem is selected and a cutting about 4-6 inches long is taken, making sure it has at least two to three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the soil. The pot should be placed in indirect light and kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until roots have established, generally in two to four weeks. Once the roots are developed, the new Coleus plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.