How To Propagate Coleus From Cuttings: A Step-By-Step Guide

What is Coleus?

Coleus is a genus of about 150 species belonging to the family Lamiaceae, or the mint family. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. They are popular garden plants due to their colorful foliage which may be shades of reds, yellows, greens and purples.

Propagating Coleus from Cuttings

Propagating coleus from cuttings is an easy way to increase your plant numbers quickly and inexpensively. It’s also a great way for novice gardeners to learn how to propagate plants since it’s simple enough for even beginners! Here’s what you need to know about propagating coleus from cuttings:

Step 1: Choose A Suitable Cutting

The best time for taking cuttings from coleus is during spring or summer when the plant has plenty of new growth that can be used as cuttings. Look for stem pieces with at least four sets of leaves – this will help ensure success when propagating your coleus cutting.

Step 2: Prepare Your Potting Medium

Use a potting mix that drains well but still retains some moisture such as one-part perlite and two parts peat moss or one-part vermiculite and two parts peat moss mixture (or something similar). Make sure you moisten your potting medium before planting your cutting in it so that it won’t dry out too quickly once planted.

Step 3: Plant Your Cutting

Once you have chosen an appropriate cutting and prepared your potting medium, you are ready to plant your cutting! Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder if desired (this helps encourage root growth), then make a hole in the potting medium large enough for the stem piece without crushing any roots that may already be present on it (if any). Place the stem piece into this hole so that half of its length is below soil level; gently press down around it so there are no air pockets remaining near its base.

Step 4: Care For Your New Plant

Water lightly after planting using lukewarm water; keep soil slightly damp but not soggy until roots form (4–6 weeks) then water regularly as needed according regular watering schedule keeping soil moist but not saturated between waterings; do not allow soil become bone dry between waterings either! Coleman should also receive indirect sunlight while they establish themselves—after they become more established they can handle full sun exposure better than young ones can handle too much heat right away! Fertilize every couple months starting late spring/early summer with liquid fertilizer diluted at label instructions (or organic compost tea).

Conclusion

Propagating coleus from cuttings isn’t difficult – all you need is patience! With just a few basic steps outlined above—choose suitable cutting material, prepare a suitable potting mix , plant carefully & monitor light & water needs —you’ll soon have lots more beautiful colorful foliage growing in no time!