Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ is a visually striking plant with vibrant, multicolored foliage. Its leaves display a dramatic blend of bright yellow, orange, and sometimes red or burgundy hues, creating a fiery, sunburst-like pattern. This ornamental plant is favored for adding bold color to landscapes, containers, and hanging baskets. It typically grows 18-30 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches, providing a full, bushy presence.
Caring for Coleus ‘Solar Flare’
Light Needs
Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, where its colors are most vibrant. Intense afternoon sun can cause the colors to fade or the leaves to scorch, particularly in hotter climates. In milder temperatures, the plant may tolerate more direct sun exposure.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Coleus ‘Solar Flare’, especially during warm, dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil; water when it feels dry. Watering at the plant’s base helps prevent fungal diseases by keeping the foliage dry.
Soil Requirements
This coleus variety performs well in fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A general-purpose potting mix with added compost works for container plantings. An ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Feeding and Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through summer), Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to encourage vibrant foliage and robust growth. Alternatively, incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to leggy growth and diminished leaf color.
Maintaining Your Coleus ‘Solar Flare’
Regular pinching of stems encourages a compact, bushy form and prevents legginess. Pinching involves removing growing tips, which redirects the plant’s energy to lateral branching. Removing flower spikes as they appear also channels more energy into foliage development and maintains leaf vibrancy.
Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ is a tender perennial, typically grown as an annual in cooler climates due to its frost intolerance. To preserve the plant beyond a single growing season, it can be overwintered indoors. Bring potted plants inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), placing them in bright, indirect light with reduced watering. Alternatively, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in the fall, root them in water or moist potting mix, and cultivate them indoors until spring.
Addressing Common Issues
If Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ leaves lose their vibrant color or revert to green, it often indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight can help restore its hues. Conversely, bleached or faded leaves signal too much direct sun, suggesting a need for more shade.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, results from inadequate light or lack of pinching. Increasing light exposure and consistently pinching back stems promotes denser, bushier growth. Wilting or drooping leaves indicate under- or overwatering. Check soil moisture to determine if the plant needs water or if the soil is too soggy, which can lead to root rot.
Coleus ‘Solar Flare’ can encounter pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect the plant, particularly the undersides of leaves, for early detection. A strong spray of water can dislodge some pests, while persistent infestations may require insecticidal soap or neem oil.