What to Do with Coleus After It Flowers

Coleus, a vibrant and colorful plant, is a delight to have in any garden or indoor space. As it grows and thrives, it eventually reaches a stage where it produces beautiful flowers. But what happens after it flowers? Here are some tips on how to care for your coleus after it has bloomed.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that coleus plants are grown for their foliage rather than their flowers. The flowers, while attractive, are often considered a bonus. They can be a bit of a distraction, as they can draw energy away from the plant's leaves, which are the real showstoppers. So, let's explore what you can do to keep your coleus looking its best post-bloom.

Pruning and Shaping

One of the first things you should do after your coleus has flowered is to prune it. This will help to encourage bushier growth and more leaves. Coleus plants are quite forgiving when it comes to pruning, so don't be afraid to cut back quite a bit.

Start by removing any dead or dying leaves and stems. Then, look for branches that have flowered. These can be pruned back to just above a leaf node. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth. Remember, the more you prune, the more the plant will bush out.

Pinching Back

Pinching back is a type of pruning that involves removing the growing tip of a branch. This can be done at any time, but it's particularly effective after the plant has flowered. It encourages the plant to produce more side shoots, which means more leaves and a fuller plant.

To pinch back, simply use your fingers or a pair of clean, sharp scissors to remove the growing tip of the branch. You can do this as many times as you like, but remember that the more you pinch back, the smaller the plant will become. This can be a good thing if you're growing your coleus in a pot, as it will help to keep the plant a manageable size.

Deadheading

Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers. This can be done at any time, but it's particularly important after the plant has finished flowering. By removing the faded flowers, you're encouraging the plant to produce more.

To deadhead, simply snip off the flower head, leaving a small stem behind. You can also pinch off the flower head with your fingers, but this can sometimes leave a ragged edge, so scissors are usually the best tool for the job.

Repotting or Dividing

If your coleus is growing in a pot, you might want to consider repotting it after it has flowered. This is a good time to do it, as the plant is actively growing and will quickly fill out its new home.

When repotting, choose a pot that is about 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil, and gently remove the plant from its current pot. Shake off any excess soil, and place the plant in the new pot. Fill in around the plant with fresh soil, and water well.

Dividing

If your coleus is growing in the ground, you might want to consider dividing it after it has flowered. This is a good way to propagate your plant and to keep it from becoming too large.

To divide, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have several leaves and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a new hole, and water well. You can also propagate your coleus from stem cuttings taken at this time.

Fertilizing

Coleus plants are heavy feeders, so they benefit from regular fertilization. After the plant has flowered, it's a good time to give it a boost with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for the correct dilution rate, and apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which can be mixed into the soil when repotting or dividing. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients over several months.

Overwintering

Coleus plants are annuals, which means they only live for one growing season. However, in warmer climates, they can sometimes survive the winter outdoors. If you live in a colder climate, you'll need to bring your coleus indoors for the winter.

To overwinter your coleus, start by gradually acclimating it to indoor conditions. This means gradually moving it to a shadier spot outdoors, and then bringing it indoors at night. Once it's fully acclimated, place it in a bright, south-facing window indoors. Keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize sparingly during the winter months.

Propagating

Coleus plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. After the plant has flowered, you can take cuttings to root and grow new plants. To take a cutting, use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to cut a 3-4 inch piece from a healthy stem.

Remove any lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth, which indicates that the cutting has rooted.

With a little care and attention, your coleus will continue to thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage long after it has finished flowering. So, don't let the flowers deter you - with the right care, your coleus will continue to be a stunning addition to your garden or indoor space. Happy growing!