Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Walter Turner' (v)

Water

Coleus 'Walter Turner' requires consistent moisture, and it's important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once or twice a week depending on the climate and the indoor environment. Typically, this might equate to giving the plant around 16-24 ounces of water per week, but this can vary based on humidity, temperature, and the size of the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s vital to ensure that the pot has good drainage. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.

Light

The best lighting condition for Coleus 'Walter Turner' is bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives in locations that receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An eastern-facing window that provides morning sunlight, or a northern-facing window that gives diffused light throughout the day, is ideal for this colorful foliage plant.

Temperature

Coleus 'Walter Turner' prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will slow significantly. It's crucial to protect the plant from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold temperatures can be detrimental. Keeping the plant in a spot that maintains this warm temperature range year-round will promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning is beneficial for Coleus 'Walter Turner' to encourage bushier growth and maintain a compact, attractive shape. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly, especially during the growing season, which is roughly from spring to early fall. Pruning can be done every few weeks or as needed when you notice the plant getting leggy. The best time to prune heavily is in early spring, just before the new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coleus 'Walter Turner' thrives best in a well-draining, rich potting mix comprising peat, perlite, and compost, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Coleus 'Walter Turner' typically requires repotting every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, best done in spring or early summer.

Humidity & Misting

Coleus 'Walter Turner' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-70%, which can be maintained through misting or a humidity tray.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Grow in partial shade, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Commonly known as Coleus 'Walter Turner', the life cycle of Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Walter Turner' begins with seed germination, given warm temperatures and consistent moisture. After sprouting, the seedlings quickly grow into juvenile plants with characteristic vibrant foliage. The vegetative stage is marked by rapid leaf development and branching, during which the plant can be pinched back to promote a bushier growth. As it matures, Coleus can produce flower spikes, although they are often removed to keep the plant's energy focused on foliage production. The Coleus 'Walter Turner' thrives in warm seasons but is typically treated as an annual in temperate regions, dying back with the first frost. If overwintered indoors or propagated from cuttings, it can begin the cycle anew in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Coleus 'Walter Turner' is through stem cuttings. This can typically be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long should be taken just below a leaf node, removing the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, although coleus often roots easily without it. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a moistened well-draining potting mix or it can be placed directly into water. If using soil, cover the pot with plastic to retain humidity until new growth indicates the cutting has rooted, which usually occurs within a couple of weeks. When roots are well-developed, usually about an inch (2.54 cm) or so in length, the new plant can be potted up if it was started in water or moved to a more permanent location if it was started in soil.