How to Feed Your Coleus Plants

Coleus makes an attractive house plant and is pretty in outdoor settings as well. Its beauty is defined by the characteristics of its leaves rather than by flowers. A healthy coleus will produce colorful leaves in abundance. Feeding your coleus properly gives it the maximum nutrients it needs and the best opportunity to thrive.

Rich soil
20-10-20 fertilizer
Growth retardant

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your coleus in a soil that is abundant with organic substances such as composted cow manure, peat moss or compost. A rich soil provides the nutritional foundation for a healthy plant.
- 2
  The Alabama Cooperative Extension suggests you apply a 20-10-20 fertilizer, either granular or liquid, at every fourth watering. Watering should take place when the soil is just a bit dry, usually once or twice a week.
- 3
  Maximize the denseness of your coleus by feeding it a commercial foliar growth retardant to discourage vertical growth. Energy is then concentrated on branch growth, and this results in fuller, bushier leaves.

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