Saving coleus for the next year can be easily done by taking cuttings and rooting them before the cold weather sets in. This method is commonly used by gardeners to ensure the survival of their favorite coleus plants.
To start, you will need to gather three- to four-inch cuttings from your coleus plants. Look for healthy stems that have not yet flowered. It’s best to take cuttings in late summer or early fall, before the first frost is expected.
Once you have your cuttings, remove the bottom leaves to expose the nodes where the roots will form. This can be done by gently pinching or snipping off the leaves with your fingers or a clean pair of scissors. Removing the leaves also helps to prevent moisture loss from the cutting.
Next, prepare a suitable rooting medium for your coleus cuttings. You can use damp potting soil, peat moss, or sand. Make sure the medium is moist but not waterlogged. If using potting soil, you may want to mix in some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Now, it’s time to insert the cut ends of your coleus cuttings into the rooting medium. Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently place the cut end of the stem into the hole. Firmly press the soil around the stem to hold it in place. Space the cuttings a few inches apart to allow room for root development.
After planting the cuttings, water them thoroughly to settle the soil around the stems and provide moisture for the roots to develop. You may also want to mist the leaves with water to increase humidity around the cuttings.
To create a suitable environment for rooting, cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or place them in a propagator to maintain high humidity. This helps to prevent excessive moisture loss from the leaves and encourages root growth. Keep the cuttings in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight.
Check the cuttings regularly for signs of root development. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the conditions and the coleus variety. Once roots have formed and are about an inch long, the cuttings are ready to be potted up.
Carefully remove the rooted cuttings from the rooting medium and transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining potting soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, as the young plants establish themselves.
To prepare your coleus plants for overwintering indoors, place them in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing them to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. You can also supplement their light requirements with artificial grow lights if necessary.
During the winter months, monitor the moisture levels of the soil and water the plants as needed. Be mindful not to overwater, as coleus plants are susceptible to root rot. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or mealybugs and treat them promptly if necessary.
With proper care and attention, your overwintered coleus plants should continue to grow indoors throughout the winter. When spring arrives, you can gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions and transplant them back into the garden once the danger of frost has passed.
By taking cuttings and rooting them indoors, you can enjoy your favorite coleus plants year after year. It’s a rewarding process that allows you to preserve the beauty and diversity of these vibrant foliage plants.
