Updated at: 13-06-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

A favorite among shade and container gardeners is the shade-loving coleus. Many gardeners ask if coleus can be propagated at home because of its colorful leaves and tolerant character. Yes, and it’s not difficult to figure out how to do it. Coleus can be grown from seed or from cuttings, and both methods are simple. Learn how to grow coleus by continuing to read this article.

How to Plant Coleus Seed

Getting the seeds is the first step in growing coleus from seed. Coleus seeds can be found in almost any store that sells flower seeds and are not hard to come by. In the event that you can’t find them in a store, you may often discover them for sale online. If you buy Coleus seeds mixed, you’ll get a wide range of foliage hues. Sow coleus seed in a flat or container of potting soil that is somewhat wet. Toss the coleus seeds into the soil with a light hand. In order to ensure an even distribution of the seeds, fine sand should be mixed with the seeds before planting. Cover the coleus seeds with a thin layer of potting soil after spreading them out.

In a warm, well-lit area, cover the container with plastic and keep it there for as long as possible. Soon, you’ll be able to view sprouts of the seeds you planted. Remove the plastic sheeting as soon as you see the coleus seedlings. As the seedlings grow, keep the soil moist. Watering the coleus seedlings from the bottom is less harmful to them. Typically, seedlings can be moved to separate containers once two sets of true leaves have formed.

4 Easy Steps to Grow Coleus From Stem Cuttings - Dengarden

How to Root Coleus Cuttings

Taking coleus cuttings to root and grow is just as simple as growing coleus from seed. Find a mature coleus plant to start this coleus propagation procedure. With the aid of a pointed instrument. Cut off as many coleus cuttings as you like using a fresh pair of scissors or shears. Cuttings of 4 to 6 inches in length are recommended for best results (10-15 cm.). A leaf node is the best place to make the cutting cut. Remove the lower half of the cutting’s leaves next. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cutting if required. Make sure that the soil in which you intend to root the coleus cutting is sufficiently hydrated. Then, dig a pencil into the ground and see what happens. A hole has been carved out in the pencil, so insert a piece of coleus into it.

At the very least, the soil should cover the lowest leafless node. Make sure the earth is pushed back around the cut. Cover the rooted container completely with plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top plastic bag. In order to avoid damaging the plastic, make sure it is not in contact with the cutting. Use toothpicks or sticks if necessary to keep the plastic from getting into the cut. Place the container in a well-lit area, but with a diffused light source. Within two to three weeks, the coleus cutting should have taken root. Coleus cuttings are rooted when new growth appears on them. Alternatively, rooting coleus cuttings in water is an option. Put your cuttings in a small glass of water and put it in bright indirect light after you’ve taken them. The water should be changed twice a week. Transplanting the coleus cuttings into soil is possible once you see roots developing on the cuttings.

4 Easy Steps to Grow Coleus From Stem Cuttings

Coleus may be multiplied quickly and cheaply. You only need:

  • Gardening shears, a knife, or even the tips of your fingers can be used.
  • Container of some sort
  • Water

The use of rooting hormone is helpful, but it isn’t required. Coleus is a joyful plant that readily takes cuttings and grows from them.

1. Find an Apical Stem on a Mature Coleus Plant

Accipital stems have buds attached to the ends of them. Make sure to pick an extra-lengthy apical stem for your coleus cutting when doing your research. The length of your cutting should be between 2 and 6 inches.

I prefer cuttings from established plants with many branches that branch off from the main stalks. Cutting from mature plants is not only easier because there are so many robust stems to pick from, but they won’t look scraggly once some of the stems are gone. As a bonus, removing the plant’s apical stems will result in a more bushy and full-looking plant.
How to Grow Coleus | Garden GateAre Terminal Buds a Type of Bud? At the end of apical stems, there are buds. The term “terminal buds” refers to the buds at the end of a branch.

2. Cut off a 2 to 6-Inch Apical Stem Below a Node

After locating the coleus’ apical stem, cut it off at the node (where a stem or bud is located) of the plant.

Nodes may be clearly seen on the Coleus stems, which are thick and juicy. Petioles (leaf stems) may begin to form on some of the plants. As for the rest of the nodes, they’ll look and feel like lines on the stalk. Make your cut below one of the stem’s nodes. All of the nodes will grow roots if propagation is effective.

The length of the incision should range from 2 to 6 inches, so that it can float erect in water.

Using shears is unnecessary. Remove the lowest leaves by pinching with your fingers. (Damn! I forgot to add a stipule!) Spencer Jill

3. Remove the Lower Leaves From the Stem

Short leaf stems (petioles) and tiny leaf structures developing between the leaf stalks and the main stem are both common on Coleus stems (stipules). Only the highest leaves should be left behind.

Pinch off the lowest leaves of a 2- to 6-inch apical stem after you’ve plucked it from the parent plant. It’s also possible to use garden shears or a knife, although it’s unnecessary. Petioles, the short stems that connect the coleus leaves to the stem, make it simple to remove the leaves. Where the petiole (short leaf stem) meets the main stem, coleus stems often grow little leaves. Stipules are the name given to these tiny leaves. Those, too, should be cut.

Dip the Cut Ends of the Stems in Root Hormone Powder

Rooting hormone isn’t necessary for coleus because of its ease of rooting, although it does tend to increase success rates.

Always read the label before applying rooting hormone. It’s possible that you’ll be instructed to don gloves or a mask. I make sure to keep it out of the wind while I use it. The instructions for the rooting hormone powders I use are straightforward and consistent:

  1. Root your plant by soaking it in water.
  2. Pour some rooting hormone into the upended bottle cap and then dip the stick into it.
  3. You can remove extra powder by tapping the stem or leaf against the lid.
  4. the cutting should be planted in a potting media or in soil.

To use the rooting hormone, follow the instructions on the package. Spencer, Jill

4. Place the Cuttings in Water

Once the bottom leaves (petioles and stipules) have been removed, place the cutting in a container of plain water with or without rooting hormone and place it in indirect light.

It’s up to you whether you want to separate each cutting into a separate container or put them all together. Make sure the water is deep enough to cover the nodes but not so deep that the top leaves are submerged.

Instead of waiting for roots to form, you may simply poke holes with a pencil or your finger into a damp, light potting mix and quickly plant your cuttings.

Water, on the other hand, is a far better choice for me because it works just as well and requires less effort to utilize. There is no need to worry about the potting material being too or too dry while rooting coleus in water. Checking to see if the nodes are still submerged every two or three days is all I do to keep them that way. It’s a cinch to do!

It will take about a week for the cuttings to start rooting out. When the stems of the cuttings are heavy with roots, it is time to transplant them outside.

How to Plant and Grow Coleus | Gardener's Path

Without the use of rooting hormone, this cutting developed roots in less than a week.

Questions & Answers

My Coleus stems were cut in half and placed in a plastic water bottle. Their white roots grew to nearly four inches in length. I used Miracle Grow Garden Soil and potted them up. I put them in the pots, poured in some water, and sat back and watched. They appeared droopy the following day. I was thinking about the possibility of transferring shock. All three had died by the time I returned the next day. Is there a reason why this is happening?

Yes, the plants were placed in direct sunlight. If you did, it’s likely that’s what caused their demise. For a couple of weeks, place the pots outside in the shade for a few hours each day, increasing the time each day. This will help them adapt to the outdoor circumstances.

What may be the problem with my coleus plant? The plant had been kept in full sunlight by the caretakers. It was vibrant and gorgeous when I first saw it, but it has since faded and dulled. The plant’s color has faded and it has a drab appearance at first, but it stopped falling leaves and began growing again. What’s wrong with me?

It’s possible that your plant needs fertilizer. 10-10-10 should be applied once a month.

Coleus cuttings were taken several weeks ago, and the lowest leaves were removed. To prolong my enjoyment, I placed them in a cup with some water. I was shocked to discover that those leaves had sprouted roots. If I planted the leaves, will a new plant emerge from the roots?

Answer: Yes! Leaf cutting is a typical method of propagation.

What may be the reason why I inserted two Coleus stems from a different plant into very moist soil? Yesterday was the day. They both had drooping leaves tonight. Is the soil in the garden overloaded?

When it comes to rooting cuttings, you’ll be more successful if you first soak them in rooting hormone. Place them away from direct sunshine in wet, but not saturated, soil.

A follow-up question: By placing them into potatoes, I was shown how to produce roses from the stem. For rooting hormone, they advised using honey and cinnamon. Do you have any thoughts on this? Potatoes have also been successfully grown in a five-gallon bucket. When they started sprouting, they grew long tops; then they died off. Please share your thoughts.

Greetings, and welcome! I’ve heard that honey, because of its antibacterial properties, can be used to root. Rooting, on the other hand, was shown to be less effective in an experiment by the Hawaiian MGs.

When I first learned this procedure from a friend, I used plastic bottle “cloches” on top of half-soda bottles to start my first roses from cuttings. Neither rooting powder nor honey is used here. If you’re interested, you may definitely find more information on the method online.

I’m afraid I’m unable to offer advice on growing potatoes in buckets due to my lack of knowledge and experience in this area.

What may be the reason why my French Quarter coleus has bloomed so well? What should I do with the rest of the plant? Do I have to let my coleus wither away in the cold?

Plants can be killed by frost or brought indoors to be grown as a houseplant.

Is there a way to keep white mold from forming on my coleus’ roots and stems?

What can be done to reduce/avoid it? Thin the plants. Airflow will be boosted and humidity levels will be reduced as a result.

I’m from Mississippi, and I’ve successfully rooted numerous coleus plants. How can I preserve them for spring planting? Is it possible to cultivate them inside during the winter?

Yes, you may grow coleus in a pot and bring it indoors. They’re fantastic for the home. It’s best to put them somewhere where they’ll get some shade from the sun.

Coelus plants thrive in water, but can they survive for lengthy periods of time in the bottle?

Coleus can be grown in water, as the answer indicates. Keep the water pure by adding a little charcoal. For your coleus, prepare a water-soluble fertilizer such as Knox gelatin.