Coleus Redhead Solenostemon Redhead = 'Uf0646' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Solenostemon 'Redhead' is a vibrant and colorful plant that is characterized by its striking foliage. Each leaf of this plant is a work of art, featuring brilliant shades of red, which is where it gets its common name 'Redhead'. The leaves are typically pointed and have a serrated edge, which gives them a somewhat ruffled appearance. These rich red leaves are often accented with undertones of orange or purple, adding depth and complexity to the plant's overall look. The intense colors can make this plant a standout in any garden or as a potted houseplant. When exposed to sunlight, the leaves can appear to glow, with the reds becoming even more pronounced and vivid. The texture of the leaves is also notable—they are generally smooth to the touch, with a slight glossiness that helps reflect light and further enhance their visual impact. The plant's leaves grow densely, creating a lush and full appearance that can add a touch of tropical flair to its surroundings. It is important to note that the exact coloration and pattern of the leaves can vary, making each plant somewhat unique. Despite the lack of detail on its size, the Solenostemon 'Redhead' is typically described as a compact and bushy plant, which suggests that it has a well-branched structure, allowing for an abundance of these stunning leaves to be on display.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Redhead Coleus, Flame Nettle
Common names
Solenostemon scutellarioides, Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides, Coleus hybrids, Plectranthus scutellarioides.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Solenostemon Redhead, commonly known as Coleus, typically is not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not intended for consumption, and eating parts of the plant might cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. There are no severe poisoning symptoms associated with this particular variety of Coleus in humans, but it is always advisable to avoid ingesting ornamental plants.
To pets
Coleus, including the Solenostemon Redhead variety, is generally known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally, excessive salivation in animals. It's important for pet owners to keep the Coleus plant out of reach to prevent these symptoms and potential consequences of ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Tropical Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Solenostemon Redhead, commonly known as Coleus, adds a splash of color to gardens and indoor spaces with its vibrant, red foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Coleus plants are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Shade Tolerance: Coleus can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might not, making it a versatile option for different garden locations.
- Drought Resistance: Although Coleus prefers consistent moisture, mature plants can tolerate short periods of drought.
- Fast Growth: These plants grow quickly, providing rapid gratification in landscaping or as a houseplant.
- Temperature Tolerance: Coleus can handle a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for various climates, though it is not frost-hardy.
- Soil Adaptability: Coleus isn't picky about soil, as long as it is well-draining, making it easy to integrate into different garden setups.
- Versatile Propagation: Propagating Coleus is simple through stem cuttings, which can easily be rooted to grow new plants.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other plants in garden beds or containers, offering a striking contrast due to its vivid foliage.
- Continuous Color: Unlike flowering plants that have a blooming season, Coleus provides consistent color throughout its growing season.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The Coleus 'Redhead' can be used as a natural fabric dye, with its vivid red foliage providing a source of color for textiles.
- In artistic crafts, the textured and colorful leaves of Coleus 'Redhead' can be pressed and used in creating botanical prints and elegant eco-dyed papers.
- Culinary presentations can include Coleus 'Redhead' leaves as a decorative, non-toxic garnish to add flair to dishes, although the leaves are not typically consumed.
- In educational settings, Coleus 'Redhead' plants can be part of plant biology studies, demonstrating leaf pigmentation and patterns.
- The plant can be used in pet enclosures, such as vivariums, as non-toxic foliage that adds visual interest and hiding spaces for small reptiles and amphibians.
- Coleus 'Redhead' can be an interesting addition to mixed-media art projects, using its leaves to create unique patterns and textures in collage artworks.
- As a sensory stimulation tool, the textured leaves of Coleus 'Redhead' can be used in therapeutic gardens or sensory pathways for tactile engagement.
- In photography, the vibrant foliage of the Coleus 'Redhead' can serve as a stunning backdrop or subject for macro and still life photography.
- During festive seasons, the plant's leaves can be incorporated into natural, biodegradable holiday decor, such as wreaths and centerpieces.
- The contrasting colors of the Coleus 'Redhead' leaves can be utilized in garden or landscape designs to create visual illusions or focal points within a space.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Coleus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Coleus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Vibrancy: The Solenostemon Redhead, commonly known as the Coleus 'Redhead', often symbolizes vibrancy due to its bright, bold red foliage that can add a pop of color and life to any setting.
- Uniqueness: Coleus plants are known for their unique and diverse patterns. The 'Redhead' variety, with its distinctive red leaves, represents the beauty of being unique and standing out.
- Creativity: The striking appearance of the Coleus 'Redhead' is also a symbol of creativity, inspiring gardeners and plant enthusiasts to create beautiful arrangements and landscapes.
- Transformation: Coleus can change color based on light exposure, so they often symbolize transformation, adaptability, and flexibility in life.
- Sensuality: The deep, rich tones of the Coleus 'Redhead' leaves are sometimes associated with sensuality and the lushness of life, celebrating the fullness of sensory experiences.
- Water
Coleus 'Redhead' prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, this may translate to watering approximately every 5 to 7 days. When watering, aim to use around 16-24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot or adjust according to the size of your plant and pot. It is critical to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot; ensure your pot has good drainage.
- Light
Coleus 'Redhead' thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is a location where it can receive plenty of ambient light without direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east or north-facing window is ideal for providing the light conditions that coleus plants prefer.
- Temperature
Coleus 'Redhead' enjoys warm conditions and does best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may slow significantly or stop. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can harm the plant. Ideally, keep your Coleus 'Redhead' away from drafts and cold windows in the winter.
- Pruning
Pruning Coleus 'Redhead' encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch off the growing tips and flower spikes as they appear throughout the growing season to promote fuller foliage. The best time for substantial pruning is in the spring or early summer, but occasional pinching can be done year-round.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Coleus 'Redhead' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal to retain moisture yet prevent waterlogging.
- Repotting
Coleus 'Redhead' should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its pot, to refresh the soil and encourage growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Coleus 'Redhead' prefers a humidity level between 40-60%, mimicking its native tropical environment. It can tolerate some variation but consistent humidity is beneficial.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Grow in part-shade with well-draining soil, avoiding midday sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The common name for Solenostemon 'Redhead' ('UF0646' PBR) is Coleus 'Redhead'. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and light. As the seedlings emerge, they develop into young plants with characteristic colorful foliage. The vegetative stage is marked by rapid leaf growth and branching. Coleus 'Redhead' can flower under long daylight conditions, but the small, less ornamental flowers are often pinched off to encourage fuller foliage growth. The plant completes its cycle annually, though in some climates it can be overwintered indoors or treated as a perennial.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Coleus, specifically the Solenostemon 'Redhead', is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, generally from spring to early fall. A healthy stem cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long with leaves removed from the bottom half. The stem is then dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and placed into moist potting soil or water to root. In water, roots usually form within a week or two, after which the new plant can be transferred to soil. When rooting in soil, it can take a little longer, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until roots establish and new growth is evident.