The Coleus Can Truly Brighten Your Home.
Some dedicated indoor gardening enthusiasts prefer to take control of the full life cycle in the growth and propagation of their favorite indoor plants. The Coleus is certainly popular in this respect. Easy to care for, very forgiving in light level availability, it has become the favorite over the years, though not all phases of its growth is without some frustration. Beginning with the starting of the Coleus from seed, many experience premature seed die off and it is not clear whether this is due to improper moisture given the soil during planting or possibly the potting soil temperature, but for some reason or other, the seeds do begin to sprout after some lengthy wait, sometimes as much as three weeks, though even this varies. Seedlings should be placed near a large window receiving about four hours of sun daily, but even this is not critical.
Once the seedlings appear, seedling trays should be turned regularly so that the plants are acclimated to similar lighting as would be received outdoors. It will usually take 2 to 3 weeks to reach close to 2 inches, at which time you should transplant them into individual but small containers, preferably peat moss 3-inch form pots, sold in most garden centers, though not necessarily throughout the year. Once the plants have reached a height of 5 to 6 inches, it is time to decide just where they will habituate for the remainder of their life. Most indoor gardeners prefer to combine several Coleus in one large pot, usually an 8 to 10 inch which is usually of the hanging type, so they will not occupy some furniture surface and are easily accessible for watering and feeding.
So, Is This The End Of It All?
Once plants have been placed in their new home and have begun putting on some more new growth, you may want to increase your hanging pots on your ceiling to balance off your living room. At this point, your imagination is your limit. Choose the largest of the plants in the pot you now have and find a few leaf branches, which should contain 3 leaves on that branch and just snip it off with sharp cutters. It can even be snapped downward very carefully. Then just place the branch in a partially filled glass or cup of water, being careful not to fill over the leaves.
Leave in the water without adding anything for about a week to 10 days, or until you see at least a half dozen roots. Now, its time to place those that are ready in small 3-inch plastic or peat pots and fill just below the brim. Repeat the same process as you did in starting from seed. When they reach a height of 6-5 inches, just transplant into a new hanging pot that you have filled ¾ with potting soil. You will save at least 80% by doing it yourself and experience the daily joy of your hanging Coleus plants.
