Coleus Black Dragon
Coleus Scutellarioides
Coleus Scutellarioides, commonly known as Coleus Black Dragon, is celebrated for its stunning foliage and vibrant colors. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in shaded areas, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens alike.
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Coleus Scutellarioides prefers consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. In hotter months, you may need to water more frequently. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause wilting and crispy leaf edges.
Light
Coleus thrives in partial shade to full shade, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to place it in a location where it receives filtered light, such as near a north or east-facing window.
Soil
The ideal soil for Coleus is a well-draining potting mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well to ensure good drainage while retaining moisture.
Humidity
Coleus prefers moderate to high humidity levels (40-70%).
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, use a pebble tray with water, or place a humidifier nearby. Signs of low humidity include browning leaf tips and leaf drop.
Temperature
Coleus thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and is not frost-tolerant.
It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. Protect it from temperatures below 50°F (10°C) to prevent damage.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce feeding in fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include pale leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Prune Coleus in spring to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Deadheading is not necessary, but removing spent flowers can help maintain appearance.
Repotting
Repot Coleus every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its pot, usually in spring.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. Carefully remove the plant, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh soil.
Propagation
Coleus can be propagated through stem cuttings.
Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix. Roots will develop in 1-2 weeks. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Over-watering or insufficient light.
How to fix it
Adjust watering frequency and ensure the plant receives adequate light.
Wilting
Why it happens
Under-watering or extreme heat.
How to fix it
Check soil moisture and water thoroughly if dry. Move to a cooler location if temperatures are too high.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Low humidity levels.
How to fix it
Increase humidity through misting or using a pebble tray.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight.
Root rot
Why it happens
Over-watering and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Reduce watering and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. If necessary, repot into fresh soil.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, repot your Coleus if needed and start fertilizing every 4-6 weeks. Ensure it receives adequate light as days get longer.
Summer
During summer, monitor watering closely as the plant may require more frequent watering. Keep it in a shaded area to prevent leaf scorch.
Fall
In fall, reduce fertilizing as the plant enters dormancy. Continue to water but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Winter
In winter, keep the Coleus in a warm location away from drafts. Water less frequently and avoid fertilizing until spring.
Toxicity & Safety
Coleus is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for households. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Good to know
Why are my Coleus leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on Coleus can indicate over-watering or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering habits, and ensure the plant is receiving adequate indirect sunlight.
How often should I water my Coleus?
Water your Coleus when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. In hotter months, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist.
Can Coleus grow in full sun?
Coleus prefers partial shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch the leaves, so it's best to provide filtered light.
How do I propagate Coleus?
You can propagate Coleus through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix until roots develop, usually within 1-2 weeks.
What is the ideal temperature for Coleus?
Coleus thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It is not frost-tolerant, so protect it from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
How do I increase humidity for my Coleus?
To increase humidity for your Coleus, mist the leaves regularly, use a pebble tray with water, or place a humidifier nearby to create a more humid environment.
When should I repot my Coleus?
Repot your Coleus every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its pot, typically in spring. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth.
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