The Coleus ‘Campfire’ plant (Coleus scutellarioides ‘Campfire’) is celebrated for its striking, vibrant orange-red foliage, making it a popular choice for adding bold color to gardens and containers. This upright cultivar reaches 24 to 36 inches and is known for its easy care.
Caring for Your Coleus Campfire Plant
Light Requirements
Coleus ‘Campfire’ thrives in part sun or high shade, which often produces the most intense coloration. Too little sun may cause its vibrant orange-red hues to fade, leading to muted greens and yellows. Conversely, very intense sun can cause bleaching or sunscald.
Watering Needs
Coleus ‘Campfire’ requires consistent moisture but should never be left in soggy conditions. It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Prolonged dry spells can hinder growth and cause leaves to brown at the edges. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; container plants may need watering up to twice a day in hot weather.
Soil Preferences
Coleus ‘Campfire’ grows best in rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil. For garden beds, amend the soil with compost or other organic material to improve drainage and provide nutrients. When growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix that offers good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tender perennial often grown as an annual, Coleus ‘Campfire’ prefers warm, humid conditions. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and will not survive frost. Optimal growth occurs between 70°F and 100°F; wait until nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60°F before planting outdoors.
Fertilization
Coleus ‘Campfire’ benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season in spring and summer. Apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, monthly at half-strength, or use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can diminish foliage vibrancy.
Maintaining and Shaping Coleus Campfire
Pinching and pruning are effective techniques for encouraging bushier growth and maintaining the desired shape of Coleus ‘Campfire’. These practices prevent the plant from becoming leggy and promote a denser, more compact form. To pinch, remove the growing tips just above a set of leaves or a node; this stimulates the plant to produce two new stems.
Removing flower spikes as they appear is also recommended. Unchecked blooming can divert energy from foliage production, causing the plant to decline. Their removal ensures the plant’s energy is redirected toward developing more vibrant leaves. Consistent pinching contributes to a more robust and visually appealing plant.
Propagating Coleus Campfire
Propagating Coleus ‘Campfire’ from cuttings is a straightforward process. Begin by taking 3 to 4-inch tip cuttings from a healthy plant, ensuring each has several leaves. Remove leaves from the bottom half of each cutting to prepare it for rooting.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moistened potting mix. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance root development. Place cuttings in a bright, warm location; roots should form within two to three weeks. Once a sufficient root system develops, transplant the new plants.
Common Issues and Solutions
Coleus ‘Campfire’ can exhibit several issues, often related to environmental conditions.
Color Loss and Legginess
If the vibrant orange-red foliage loses color or yellows, it often indicates too much sunlight, which can bleach the leaves. Move the plant to partial shade to restore its coloration. Legginess, characterized by long, spindly stems, occurs when plants are not pinched regularly or receive insufficient light.
Watering Issues
Wilting can signal either insufficient or overwatering, as both extremes stress the plant. Check soil moisture before watering to prevent these issues.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests include aphids and mealybugs, which are sap-sucking insects. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to manage them. Downy mildew, a fungal disease, may appear as irregular brown spots or fuzzy growth on leaves, particularly in hot, humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to mitigate this issue.
Overwintering Coleus Campfire
In colder climates (USDA Zones 10 and below) where Coleus ‘Campfire’ is not hardy, overwintering allows the plant to survive indoors.
Digging Up Plants
One method involves digging up healthy plants before the first frost, potting them in well-draining soil, and bringing them indoors. Trimming the plant back by about half its growth can help reduce transplant shock and manage its size.
Taking Cuttings
Alternatively, take cuttings in early fall to propagate new plants for the following spring. These cuttings can be rooted in water or soil and grown as houseplants over the winter. Place indoor overwintered coleus plants or cuttings in a bright, indirect light location, such as a south- or southeast-facing window, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.