Coleus 'Royal Scot' Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Royal Scot' (v)

Water

Coleus 'Royal Scot' prefers consistently moist soil but is not tolerant to waterlogged conditions. Water the plant thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be roughly once a week, depending on environmental conditions. In terms of volume, aim to provide roughly 1-2 cups (8-16 ounces) of water for a medium-sized pot during each watering session, adjusting based on the plant's response and the pot size. Always allow excess water to drain away to avoid root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Coleus 'Royal Scot' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. The best spot for this plant would be either an east-facing window where it receives gentle morning light or near a south or west-facing window with some shading. Avoid low light conditions as they can lead to leggy growth and loss of vibrant foliage color.

Temperature

Coleus 'Royal Scot' favors warm temperatures, ideally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporarily outside this range but should be protected from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it is sensitive to cold and can suffer damage from frost. Always keep the plant in an environment well away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain optimal growth and foliage color.

Pruning

Pruning Coleus 'Royal Scot' encourages a bushy growth habit and prevents it from becoming too leggy. Pinch back the growing tips and flower spikes, if any, throughout the growing season to promote fuller foliage. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the spring, but light pinching can be done regularly. Always use clean shears or simply use your fingers to pinch off the unwanted growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coleus 'Royal Scot' prefers a well-draining, rich potting mix composed of peat, compost, perlite, and vermiculite. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Coleus 'Royal Scot' should generally be repotted once a year during spring, as they prefer fresh soil to support their rapid growth and can quickly become root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Coleus 'Royal Scot' thrives in a high humidity environment; maintaining humidity levels around 40-50% is ideal for its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity for best growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part-shade and well-drained soil after frost danger passes.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Royal Scot', commonly known as Coleus 'Royal Scot', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in a moist, well-draining soil mix and provided with warmth and light. Once germinated, the seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with vibrant-colored foliage. As they grow, the plants require pinching back to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering, which can detract from the foliage display. Throughout the growing season, Coleus 'Royal Scot' thrives in partial shade with regular watering and fertilization to maintain robust, colorful leaves. If allowed to flower, it produces small, insignificant spikes, but flower removal is often practiced to promote foliage growth. In temperate climates, the plant is treated as an annual, but it can be overwintered indoors or propagated through stem cuttings to perpetuate the plant’s life cycle for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Royal Scot', commonly known as Coleus 'Royal Scot', is typically propagated during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method for propagating Coleus 'Royal Scot' is through stem cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy stem tip about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut from the parent plant. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix or water until roots develop, which usually takes about two weeks. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, the new plant can be transplanted into a pot or the ground where it will continue to grow. This method is favored because it is simple, quick, and typically results in a high success rate.