Coleus ‘Dragon Heart’ is a visually striking ornamental plant, celebrated for its unique foliage and vibrant color. Its dramatic appearance makes it a popular choice for adding intensity to garden beds, containers, and indoor spaces. Its decorative leaves offer continuous visual interest throughout the growing season.
Understanding Dragon Heart Coleus
Dragon Heart Coleus is a distinct cultivar of Plectranthus scutellarioides, known for its unusually dark and rich coloration. Its leaves are a deep, almost black, maroon or burgundy, often with lighter red or pink accents near the serrated edges, creating a heart-shaped appearance. This upright, bushy plant typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches and spreads about 12 to 18 inches, forming a dense mound of foliage. The intense, velvety texture of its leaves distinguishes it from many other coleus varieties.
Dragon Heart Coleus Care
Light
Dragon Heart Coleus thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant leaf coloration. Too much direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch and fade delicate leaf margins. Insufficient light can dull its rich hues and promote leggy, stretched growth. Filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade is best for optimal growth and color.
Water
Dragon Heart Coleus requires consistent moisture, with soil remaining evenly moist but never waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil; if dry, water thoroughly until drainage occurs. Wilting leaves indicate a need for water, but prolonged wilting with yellowing leaves often signals overwatering and potential root issues. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Soil
The ideal soil for Dragon Heart Coleus is a well-draining, rich, and loamy potting mix that supports healthy root development. A good quality all-purpose potting mix, possibly amended with perlite or vermiculite, ensures adequate aeration and drainage. This prevents water from sitting around the roots, which can lead to fungal diseases and root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Dragon Heart Coleus prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C), and is sensitive to cold. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress, leading to stunted growth or plant death. The plant also appreciates higher humidity levels, reflecting its tropical origins. To increase humidity, especially indoors, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or group it with other plants. Regular misting also provides a temporary humidity boost.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season (spring through early fall), Dragon Heart Coleus benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Apply a diluted solution every two to four weeks to support robust foliage growth and maintain vibrant color. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive salt buildup in the soil, harming the roots. As growth slows in late fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilization until spring.
Pruning and Pinching Dragon Heart Coleus
Regular pruning and pinching maintain the desired shape and vigor of Dragon Heart Coleus. Pinching involves removing stem growing tips, typically above a leaf node, encouraging lateral branching. This prevents leggy growth and promotes a bushier, more compact habit. Pinching off developing flower spikes is also important, as flowering diverts energy from producing vibrant foliage, which can lead to less intense leaf coloration.
Propagating Dragon Heart Coleus
Propagating Dragon Heart Coleus from stem cuttings is straightforward, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share plants. Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4 to 6 inches long and cut just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches to expose the nodes. Place cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged, or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Roots form within two to three weeks in water, or slightly longer in soil, especially in a warm, bright location.
Common Issues with Dragon Heart Coleus
Dragon Heart Coleus can face challenges. Leaves losing vibrant color often indicates insufficient light. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems with sparse foliage, usually results from inadequate light or lack of regular pinching. Pests like aphids and mealybugs can infest the plant, appearing as small, soft-bodied insects on leaf undersides or along stems. Address these issues by adjusting light, consistent pinching, or using insecticidal soap.
Overwintering Dragon Heart Coleus
For gardeners in colder climates where Dragon Heart Coleus is typically grown as an annual, overwintering allows the plant to survive multiple seasons. Before the first frost, bring potted plants indoors to a location with ample bright, indirect light. During winter, reduce watering frequency, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings as the plant’s growth slows. An alternative is to take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall and root them indoors, providing new, compact plants for the following spring.