Care of Sun-Loving Coleus Over the Winter

Sun-loving varieties of coleus sport foliage in brilliant shades of red and burgundy, setting the landscape ablaze with color from late spring until fall. Although some coleuses develop the richest color when grown in a shaded area, these coleuses deepen in color when grown in full sun. Many gardeners are reluctant to let go of summer flowers when fall arrives, leading them to bring the flowers inside for the winter. Although the entire plant is unlikely to survive, taking cuttings to produce new plants and growing them inside until spring is a workable solution.

Knife
Vase or jar
Potting soil
Peat moss
Plant pots
Plant food

Instructions

- 1
  Clip a 4- to 6-inch section of the growing tips on your coleus. Remove all foliage from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. Two to three leaves are all the cuttings need to survive.
- 2
  Place the coleus cuttings in a glass or vase of water and place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as this might heat the water excessively and injure the cuttings.
- 3
  Check the water daily for any signs of stagnation. If the water is cloudy or emits a musty smell, pour out the water and refill the vase with fresh water. Otherwise, top off the water in the vase to replace water lost to evaporation.
- 4
  Watch for roots to form within a few days to two weeks. Rooting time depends on the growth hormones in the cutting and the temperature of the water.
- 5
  Fill plant pots three-fourths full with a mixture of equal parts potting soil and peat moss. Position the seedlings in the soil, taking care not to damage the new roots. Fill in around the roots with soil and tamp down lightly to secure the cutting.
- 6
  Place the potted cuttings in a southern or western window that receives direct sunlight for several hours a day.
- 7
  Water your new coleus plants once or twice a week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. The amount of water required depends on the rate of growth, temperature and environmental conditions. Empty the saucer after watering coleuses, as these plants suffer if soil remains soggy.
- 8
  Pinch back the center leaves when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. This causes the plant to send out new growth along the stem. Repeat when the plants have grown another 4 inches.
- 9
  Apply water-soluble plant food designed for houseplants in the spring when new growth appears -- typically in March.
- 10
  Move the coleus plants outside once the weather has warmed and nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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