Will a Coleus Plant Grow From a Leaf?

The Mother Plant

• The new plants will have all of the qualities of the mother plant, both good and bad. It is important to choose a healthy mother, free of pests and diseases. Choose one that has the coloration and other qualities that you desire. Your new plants will be identical to the mother when they grow.

The Cutting

• Sterilize a sharp knife or pruning shears in rubbing alcohol. Choose the best leaf on the plant and cut it off at the stem below the leaf. Some gardeners prefer to dip the cut stem in rooting hormone, although this is not necessary for coleus.

Rooting

• Insert the cut stem into a small pot of moist sand or potting mix. Push the leaf approximately halfway into the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. The leaf will grow roots and begin to put out new shoots within 2 weeks.

Humidity

• The most important factor in rooting coleus from stems or leaves is to keep the cutting moist, but not wet. Since the cutting has no roots and cannot take up water, it is dependent on moisture in the soil and air to keep it from drying out. Placing the cutting in a plastic bag or under a plastic dome increases the humidity and helps keep the cutting from drying out. Too much moisture in the soil must be avoided, however, to prevent the cutting from rotting.