Problems With Coleus Plants

Wilting

• Several problems cause coleus plants to wilt. Intolerant of drought, coleus grows best in moist, well-drained soil. The large leaves wilt if the soil is allowed to dry out, but recover quickly if watered promptly. Strong winds cause leaves to lose moisture faster than plant roots can absorb it, even in adequately watered soil, which also causes the plant to wilt. Again, the plant will recover quickly once the wind dies down. Finally, shade-loving cultivars will wilt if placed in full sun. Since many of the new sun-loving cultivars look similar to the cultivars that prefer shade, check plant tags carefully for the best growing conditions for the cultivar you choose.

Cold

• Coleus are heat-loving summer annuals and will die outside at the first frost. Indoor plants must be protected from cold drafts as well. In spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed before setting out your plants.

Pinching

• Some coleus species are naturally looser-growing than others, but all coleus respond well to being pinched back occasionally. This encourages side shoots to form, giving you a more compact, denser plant. Sun-loving cultivars grown in the shade are especially prone to lankiness and flopping open. Regular pinching also helps prevent or delay flowering. Many gardeners dislike coleus' tall flower spikes, feeling they distract from the foliage display, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension, and once allowed to flower and form seed, coleus plants, like all annuals, will decline and die.

Wrong Exposure

• Traditionally, coleus have been plants for shaded or semishaded gardens, but in the last several decades plant breeders have introduced many new cultivars that not only tolerate but require a sunny exposure to grow well. Sun-lovers grown in the shade become lanky and their colors fade or become muddy, while shade-lovers grown in the sun bleach out and foliage burns. Always consult the plant label for the correct planting location for your coleus, as similar-looking cultivars may have completely different requirements. Common sun-loving cultivars include the Solar series, Burgundy Sun, Alabama Sunset and Big Blonde. Good shade-loving cultivars include Fishnet Stockings, Black Magic, Brilliancy and Duckfoot.

Pests and Diseases

• Coleus are rarely troubled by insects or disease problems. If the soil is poorly drained, coleus may develop stem or root rot and need to be replaced. Mealy bugs, aphids and whiteflies occasionally infest the plants but can usually be controlled with soap and water.