‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ is a popular ornamental plant, cherished for its distinctive and dramatic foliage. It brings unique visual appeal to gardens and indoor spaces, making it a sought-after choice. Its unusual appearance and relatively straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal.
Understanding Inky Fingers Coleus
‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ is characterized by its unique leaf coloration and shape. Its elongated, narrow leaves feature deep purple to almost black centers that blend outwards to contrasting vibrant green edges, often described as “finger-like.” This coleus typically exhibits an upright and bushy growth habit, reaching heights of 12 to 24 inches at maturity.
Growing and Caring for Inky Fingers Coleus
Light Needs
‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ thrives in partial to full shade, receiving indirect or dappled light. Intense light can cause the vibrant leaf colors to fade or scorch the foliage. Optimal coloration is achieved with protection from the harshest afternoon sun.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Inky Fingers Coleus’. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, as this can lead to root rot. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Watering at the base helps prevent wetting the foliage, reducing disease risk.
Soil Requirements
This coleus prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range is ideal for healthy growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ requires warm temperatures, thriving best between 70°F and 100°F. Do not plant outdoors until nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 60°F. This tender plant will not survive frost, typically grown as an annual, but can be a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11. Moderate to high humidity levels are preferred, making it well-suited for shaded garden areas or as an indoor plant with adequate humidity.
Fertilizing
To support continuous growth and vibrant foliage, ‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. For container-grown plants, a diluted half-strength solution is often recommended. Incorporating a timed-release fertilizer at planting time can also provide sustained nutrients.
Propagating Inky Fingers Coleus
Propagating ‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ is straightforward, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem section 4 to 6 inches long. Remove lower leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting to prevent submersion in water or soil.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in a glass of water; roots typically emerge within two weeks. For soil rooting, plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining potting mix. Once rooted, transplant cuttings into individual pots or garden beds.
Common Challenges and Solutions
‘Inky Fingers Coleus’ can encounter a few common issues. Legginess, where stems become long and sparse, often occurs due to insufficient light or lack of pinching. Regularly pinching back stem tips encourages bushier, more compact growth.
Fading leaf color indicates too much direct sunlight; move the plant to a shadier location or provide dappled light to restore vibrant hues. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies can affect coleus. Manage these by regularly inspecting plants and using insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.