Coleus, a popular ornamental plant, is known for its vibrant, diverse foliage. Pruning is a regular practice to maintain its appearance and encourage robust development. Proper techniques cultivate a healthier, more visually appealing plant.
Why and When to Prune Coleus
Pruning coleus offers several advantages, primarily encouraging denser, more compact growth. Without regular trimming, coleus can become leggy and spindly. This redirects the plant’s energy, promoting new leaves and stems, enhancing foliage vibrancy. Removing flower stalks also helps, as coleus flowers are often less visually appealing than the leaves and can reduce the plant’s overall vigor by diverting energy from foliage production.
The optimal time to begin pruning coleus is when the plant reaches about six inches in height. Pruning can continue throughout the active growing season, from spring through summer. Pinch new growth regularly to establish the desired shape and prevent legginess. Halt significant pruning a month or two before the first frost date in the fall to avoid shocking plants during cooler temperatures.
How to Prune Coleus
Begin pruning with clean, sharp tools, such as small pruning shears or scissors, to ensure precise cuts and minimize disease transmission. For soft, new growth, use your fingertips to pinch.
Pinching is a key technique for encouraging bushier growth; locate the main stem or side shoots and pinch off the top set of leaves or the growing tip just above a node, where leaves or branches emerge. This signals the plant to produce two new shoots from the node below the cut, leading to a fuller plant. For leggy or overgrown stems, cutting back is effective; identify a desired length or a healthy node and make a clean cut just above it. Focus on a clean cut above a node for promoting new growth.
Promptly remove flower spikes as they appear to redirect the plant’s energy towards producing more vibrant foliage. Pinch or snip off these flower buds at their base, just above the nearest set of leaves, before they fully develop. While coleus flowers are not harmful, their removal helps maintain the plant’s lush, leafy appearance. Regularly inspect your plant and remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves to maintain overall plant health and aesthetics.
After Pruning Care
After pruning, ensure the coleus receives consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. The soil should be kept evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. This helps the plant recover and supports new growth.
If the plant is actively growing and hasn’t been recently fertilized, a light application of a balanced liquid fertilizer can provide necessary nutrients for new foliage. Ensure the plant continues to receive adequate light, as this is important for the vibrancy of the new leaves. Observe the plant closely after pruning for signs of new growth, which indicates a successful response to trimming.