How to Root Coleus Plants

The coleus is ideal for adding colorful highlights to shady locations of your yard or garden. The plant is often grown in borders with annuals that bloom in bright colors, which brings out the shades in coleus variegated leaf patterns. Foliage colors include red, pink, maroon and yellow, depending on the cultivar. The coleus is one of the most carefree plants to grow from cuttings, because they root easily in a jar of water.

Sharp pruners or scissors
Jar
Water
Flower pots
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Cut coleus stems at a slight angle just above a point where two stems branch, to encourage good growth patterns in the parent plant. Use sharp pruners or scissors to make a clean cut.
- 2
  Remove the lower foliage that would be under water, and place the stem into a jar of clean water. Use a clear jar so you can see the water.
- 3
  Place the jar in a location with bright light, but out of direct sunlight.
- 4
  Change the water when it becomes cloudy.
- 5
  Plant the cuttings in pots filled with general-purpose potting soil, when roots form. Use 2- to 4-inch pots if you plan to transplant them outdoors, or plant several cutting in 6-inch pots if you want to keep them indoors.

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