Also called flame nettle, painted leaves, painted nettle
(Coleus species)
Coleus is a sumptuous foliage plant with richly colored velvety leaves. It thrives indoors with minimal care.
Light
Place in high (bright) light for full foliage coloration. Vary location to control color.
Water
Keep the soil moist. Mist frequently to raise humidity.
Temperature
Maintain average temperature, preferably between 60 and 68 degrees.
Comments
Feed every 14 days during active growth. Pinch to create bushy plants. Remove all blossoms. Prune into a standard (tree form), if desired. Propagate by cuttings rooted in water or peat-based rooting medium, or by seed (needs light to germinate). Cuttings will create plants similar to the parent plant; seeds are less predictable.
