How to Winter Coleus Plants

Overwintering Entire Plants

• 1

  Dig up coleus planted in the garden with a spade or trowel, using care not to injure the roots. Shake the plant gently to remove excess soil from the root ball.

• 2

  Fill a plant pot one half to three fourths full with fresh soil. A mixture of 1 part peat moss, 1 part all-purpose potting soil and 1 part perlite makes a good soil for houseplants.

• 3

  Position the coleus plant in the pot so that it rests at its original planting depth. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil and firm down with your hands to secure the plant.

• 4

  Cut the foliage back to within 2 to 4 inches of the top of the plant pot.

• 5

  Water thoroughly until water runs freely through the bottom of the pot. Move the plant inside and place in a window that receives filtered light. New growth will appear within a week or two.

Stem Cuttings for New Plants

• 6

  Cut 4- to 6-inch stem cuttings from new growth from your coleus plant. Old woody stems do not root well.

• 7

  Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem cutting. Place the cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with water.

• 8

  Place the cuttings in an area that receives indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight heats the water quickly and may damage your cuttings.

• 9

  Change the water every two to three days, or whenever it begins to get stagnant.

• 10

  Watch for new roots to form. Rooting time varies, but often begins within a few days to a week. Pot the cuttings in individual pots when roots are approximately 2 inches long.