Although it doesn't have flowers that can be seen from far away, coleus makes any balcony box beautiful. But it's not enough that colorful foliage is in her genes. Only when their owner and light caress them will the leaf color become magnificent.
How do I cultivate coleus in the balcony box?
Plant coleusfrom mid-Mayand leave them in the flower box until early autumn. They need plenty oflightto keep them colorful. Mix the potting soil with compost and ensureeven moisture Regularly cutting off the shoot tips promotes bushy growth.
Which balcony spot is ideal for the Buntessen?
The coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), also called red nettle or coleus, tolerates locations in the shade,Part shade and sun However, in the dark shade, its bright leaf color fades and the leaves become larger greener. That's why a shady location isn't really an option. If the balcony box is exposed to the blazing midday sun in summer, you must shade the coleus, otherwise it can burn.
Which potting soil does the coleus need?
NormalCompost-based potting soilor garden soil enriched with compost form a good basis for this balcony plant. However, underneath it is essential to have adrainage layer made of sand or gravel several centimeters high to avoid waterlogging.
How do I plant coleus in the balcony box?
Sow your Coleus blumei, as the coleus is also called, indoors to give it a head start on growth. Because the frost-sensitive foliage plant is only allowed outside in the balcony box in mid-May.
- first create a drainage layer
- add a layer of soil over it
- Insert coleus
- not deeper in the pot as before
- Maintain a planting distance of about 30 cm
- Fill open spaces with soil
- press lightly
- smear well with water
Which plant neighbors does coleus get along with?
Choose plants that you like and that havesimilar location and care requirements as coleus. For example:
- Begonias
- Gundermann
- Ivy
- Ferns
- Hardworking Lieschen
- Fuchsias
- Grasses
- Magic bells
The different colored species of the coleus family can also be combined well with each other.
How do I care for coleus in the balcony box?
If the substrate has been enriched with compost as recommended, you no longer need to fertilize during the entire outdoor season. Otherwise, a liquid fertilizer is recommended. The warmer the days get, the more often you have to water the coleus. Thesoil must never dry out completely, otherwise leaves will drop. Care also includes regularly cutting off the shoot tips so that the plant branches densely.
How does the coleus overwinter safely in the balcony box?
The otherwise easy-care coleus cannot safely overwinter in the balcony box. She doesn't particularly like temperatures below 15 °C. Bring theminto a bright, 15 to 20 °C warm room in good time, for example on the windowsill. If it is not possible to overwinter the entire plant due to its height, you can cut cuttings and propagate new small plants from them.
Tip
Leave flowers as bee pasture
Coleus is friendly to bees because its small labial flowers are richly filled with nectar. If you would like to use it as a bee pasture, you should not cut the ends of the shoots, as this is exactly where the flower spikes form.
