Velvet Red Coleus, with striking foliage, adds a burst of color to gardens and containers. This ornamental plant transforms spaces into vibrant displays. Its ease of care and aesthetic appeal make it a gardener favorite.
Understanding Velvet Red Coleus
Velvet Red Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Wizard Velvet Red’) features distinct leaf coloration and texture. Its serrated, pointy leaves are deep, rich red, often with creamy white edges and a velvety feel.
This cultivar has an upright, spreading growth habit, typically reaching 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. It is used in mass plantings, border edging, or as a “filler” in container arrangements due to its compact, mounded form. Though a tropical evergreen perennial, Velvet Red Coleus is commonly grown as an annual in most climates (USDA Zones 4-10), thriving from spring through fall.
Caring for Velvet Red Coleus
Velvet Red Coleus flourishes in conditions that maintain vibrant color and healthy growth. Sunlight directly influences red hue intensity; while it tolerates full sun and full shade, partial shade to morning sun produces the best leaf coloration. Placing it in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade prevents leaf bleaching from intense sunlight.
Consistent moisture is important for optimal growth; Velvet Red Coleus prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the root ball is saturated without making it soggy. Overly damp conditions can lead to leaf drop and disease.
This plant thrives in rich, well-aerated soil, ideally with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. Adding compost or other organic materials before planting enriches the soil. Velvet Red Coleus prefers hot, humid conditions, with an optimal temperature above 60°F (15.5°C). Indoors, 50-70% humidity is beneficial.
Fertilization supports vigorous foliage growth, though coleus is sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause color to fade. For container-grown plants, apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Garden plants in rich soil may not require frequent feeding. Adding compost or worm castings to the soil at planting or as a top dressing every 4 to 6 weeks provides slow-release nutrients.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains desired shape and promotes bushier growth. Pinching back the plant (removing growing tips) encourages side branches over vertical growth, preventing leggy plants and promoting a fuller, more compact appearance.
Velvet Red Coleus produces small flowers that detract from its ornamental foliage. Removing flower stalks redirects the plant’s energy into producing more leaves, enhancing foliage vibrancy and density. If left to flower, the plant may lose vigor and its leaves become less prominent as it focuses energy on seed production. Removing yellowing or spent leaves contributes to overall plant health and aesthetic appeal.
Propagating Velvet Red Coleus
Propagating Velvet Red Coleus is typically done via stem cuttings. Select a healthy 4 to 6-inch stem, cutting just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the lower half, ensuring no foliage is submerged if rooting in water.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. For water rooting, place cuttings in a glass of water, changing it every other day; roots typically develop within two to three weeks. When rooting in soil, insert the cutting into a pot with moistened, well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one leafless node is covered. Covering the pot with a clear plastic dome or bag maintains humidity, and new growth signals successful rooting. Propagation is best during the growing season.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fading vibrant red color is common. This occurs when the plant receives too much direct sunlight, which can bleach leaves. Moving the plant to partial shade or morning sun restores its rich coloration. Conversely, too little light dulls colors, making them appear more green or yellow.
Leggy growth, with long, sparse stems, is common. This results from insufficient light or lack of regular pinching. Increased light exposure and consistent pinching encourages bushier, more compact growth.
Velvet Red Coleus is susceptible to common garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids and mealybugs, small transparent or fuzzy white insects, are managed by blasting affected plants with a strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Slugs may cause holes in leaves, especially in damp, shady conditions, and are deterred with slug baits or barriers. While generally disease-resistant, fungal issues like powdery mildew can occur in cool, damp weather; good drainage prevents root rot.