Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a beloved plant known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. While coleus thrives in warm temperatures and full sun during the summer, it can struggle when the colder months roll in. However, with the right care and attention, you can keep your coleus plants alive and healthy through the winter. Whether you’re growing coleus as an indoor houseplant or trying to protect your outdoor plants during the frost, this comprehensive guide will help you maintain your coleus’ beauty throughout the winter months.
Understanding Coleus’ Growing Requirements
Before delving into how to keep coleus alive over the winter, it’s important to understand the plant’s basic needs. Coleus is native to tropical and subtropical climates, meaning it thrives in warm, humid conditions with plenty of sunlight. It prefers soil that is rich in nutrients and consistently moist but well-draining.
However, coleus can’t tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, and once the weather turns chilly, it may begin to wither and die unless steps are taken to protect it. Fortunately, coleus is quite adaptable, and with a few simple strategies, you can ensure it survives until the warmth of spring returns.
1. Bring Your Coleus Indoors Before the Frost
One of the most important steps in keeping coleus alive over the winter is ensuring that it doesn’t freeze. If you have outdoor coleus plants, it’s crucial to bring them indoors before the first frost hits. Frost can damage or kill the plant, so timing is everything.
To bring your coleus inside, carefully dig up the plants and place them in containers with good drainage. If they’re planted in containers already, simply move them to a location indoors. Be sure to shake off any excess soil from the roots before bringing the plant inside.
Once indoors, choose a location that mimics the conditions of summer for your coleus. A sunny windowsill or a spot under grow lights is ideal. Avoid placing your coleus in a drafty area or near a cold window, as this could shock the plant and cause it to decline.
2. Prune and Trim Your Coleus
Before you bring your coleus indoors, it’s a good idea to give it a little trim. Coleus plants can become leggy or overgrown by the time the cold weather arrives. Pruning your coleus not only helps reduce its size for easier placement indoors, but it also encourages healthier growth once it’s indoors.
Cut back any dead or damaged leaves, as well as any long, leggy stems. You can also remove any flowers, as coleus often stops producing blooms during the colder months, and removing them will allow the plant to focus on leaf growth. Don’t be afraid to cut the coleus back significantly; this will promote new growth and keep the plant from becoming too spindly.
3. Water Your Coleus Correctly
When coleus is grown indoors over the winter, it’s important to adjust your watering routine. Unlike during the summer, when coleus requires frequent watering, indoor coleus plants generally need less water during the colder months. The key is to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Water your coleus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It’s better to let the soil dry out a little between waterings than to keep it constantly wet. Make sure the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to waterlogged soil.
If your home is dry during the winter months, you may need to water your coleus more frequently. In drier environments, using a humidity tray or placing the pot on a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water can help maintain moisture levels in the air around your plant. Alternatively, a humidifier near your coleus can help create a more humid environment.
4. Provide Adequate Light
Coleus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. While you may not have the luxury of full outdoor sunlight during the winter months, you can still provide your coleus with the right amount of light indoors. Place your coleus near a south or west-facing window where it will receive the most light during the day.
If natural sunlight is insufficient (especially if you have limited sunlight or live in an area with short winter days), you may want to supplement with grow lights. A good-quality LED or fluorescent grow light will help your coleus receive the necessary light to stay healthy and vibrant throughout the winter.
Be sure to provide your coleus with at least 6-8 hours of light each day. If natural light is available, try rotating the plant every few days to ensure all parts of the plant get equal exposure. This will help maintain the plant’s shape and prevent it from becoming leggy.
5. Maintain Humidity Levels
Coleus plants are tropical in origin, meaning they prefer high humidity. Indoor environments, especially during winter, can be dry due to heating systems. Low humidity can cause coleus leaves to curl, turn crispy, or drop. To prevent this, you should increase the humidity around your plant.
There are several ways to improve humidity for coleus during the winter months:
- Use a Humidifier: A humidifier is the most effective way to boost the humidity in your home. Place it near your coleus to create a more favorable environment.
- Humidity Tray: Place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water under your coleus pot. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
- Group Plants Together: Plants naturally increase humidity around themselves. If you have multiple houseplants, group them together to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Regularly checking the humidity around your coleus will ensure that it doesn’t dry out and helps it to thrive even during the cold, dry winter months.
6. Avoid Fertilizing During Winter
During the winter months, coleus enters a period of dormancy or slower growth. As such, it doesn’t require as many nutrients as it would in the warmer months. Avoid fertilizing your coleus during the winter, as this could encourage weak, leggy growth. Hold off on fertilizing until the spring when the plant starts growing again.
If you’ve been fertilizing your coleus during the growing season, it’s best to stop about 4-6 weeks before bringing it indoors. This will give the plant time to rest and prepare for the colder months.
7. Watch for Pests
When coleus is indoors for the winter, it’s especially susceptible to pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly check the leaves and stems of your plant for any signs of pests, such as yellowing leaves, tiny webs, or visible insects.
If you spot any pests, treat the coleus with an insecticidal soap or a mild neem oil solution. Make sure to treat both sides of the leaves and stems, and isolate your coleus from other plants until the issue is resolved to prevent the pests from spreading.
8. Plan for Spring
As winter comes to an end and the weather warms up, you may notice your coleus beginning to look a little worn out. When the frost risk has passed, and you’re ready to bring your coleus back outside, gradually acclimate it to outdoor conditions. Start by placing it in a shaded or partially sunny area for a few days before moving it back to its full sun spot. This will prevent shock from the sudden change in environment.
In the early spring, you can also consider taking new cuttings from your coleus to propagate for the next growing season. Propagating coleus from cuttings allows you to keep the vibrant foliage and create new plants for your garden.
Conclusion
Coleus plants are a wonderful addition to any garden or home due to their stunning foliage and easy care. While they may struggle in cold weather, with the right precautions and care, you can easily keep coleus alive over the winter. By bringing your coleus indoors, providing adequate light, water, and humidity, and regularly checking for pests, you can ensure your coleus plants stay vibrant and healthy until the spring.
Taking the time to care for your coleus over the winter months will allow you to enjoy its colorful beauty year-round, and with a little patience, you’ll have a thriving coleus plant ready to be replanted outdoors once the temperatures rise again. Happy gardening!