Coleus scutellarioides is a popular genus known for its ornamental foliage, often surpassing many flowering plants in color and patterns. The ‘Rediculous’ cultivar is a striking variety, known for its deep, rich burgundy-red leaves and vigorous, well-branched growth habit. This guide provides instructions to cultivate this highly colored coleus, ensuring the plant remains lush, dense, and intensely pigmented throughout the growing season.
Starting Your Coleus Successfully
Establishing a healthy ‘Rediculous’ coleus begins with selecting the correct growing medium. The plant requires a substrate that is moisture-retentive yet well-draining to prevent root rot. A high-quality, all-purpose potting mix blended with perlite or peat moss is ideal for aeration. Containers must feature multiple drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.
When transplanting, ensure the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface, then gently tamp the soil around the base.
Propagating from Cuttings
For propagation, select a 4-to-6-inch stem and cut just below a leaf node, where rooting hormones concentrate. Remove the lower leaves before inserting the cutting into a moistened, sterile rooting medium. This allows the stem to focus energy on developing new roots.
Providing Optimal Environmental Conditions
Light Requirements
The color intensity of ‘Rediculous’ coleus depends highly on light exposure, which drives the production of burgundy-red pigments. This cultivar tolerates a wide range of light, from full sun to partial shade. However, intense direct sun, especially in arid climates, can cause leaf scorch. Bright, indirect light or morning sun with afternoon shade often yields the most vibrant coloration. Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch, resulting in a thin, “leggy” appearance and duller leaf color.
Watering
Coleus requires consistently moist soil but is highly susceptible to damage from waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Wilting signals the plant is too dry and must be corrected immediately. Overwatering is a serious concern that quickly leads to root decay and plant collapse.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Rediculous’ coleus thrives in warm conditions, preferring temperatures above 60°F. It struggles when temperatures consistently drop below 55°F. Delay planting until the risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are reliably warm. The plant appreciates moderate humidity and performs well in most summer environments, provided adequate moisture is maintained.
Maintaining Shape and Health
Pinching and Pruning
Routine pinching is necessary to encourage a dense, bushy shape. This technique involves removing the soft, growing tip of the main stem just above a set of leaves. This forces the plant to divert energy into lateral bud growth. Pinching should begin when the plant is young (around six inches tall) and repeated every few weeks to maintain a compact form.
Coleus naturally produces small flower spikes, typically in late summer. Since the plant is grown for its foliage, these spikes should be removed promptly by pinching or trimming. Allowing the plant to flower diverts energy away from leaf production, resulting in fewer leaves, reduced color vibrancy, and a decline in overall vigor.
Fertilization
Coleus performs best with regular nutrient supplementation, especially in containers where nutrients leach quickly. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks to support steady growth. Note that an overabundance of nitrogen can diminish the characteristic deep red color, so moderation is advised.
Pest Management
Spider mites and mealybugs occasionally affect coleus, particularly when plants are stressed. These pests are best managed with non-chemical methods to protect the delicate foliage. Small mealybug infestations can be spot-treated by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. A strong spray of water dislodges spider mites, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil provides an effective control barrier.