Why Choose a Coleus for Your Home?

• Air-Purifying Qualities: Air-purifying qualities to improve indoor air quality.
• Easy Maintenance: Easy to care for and maintain.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the aesthetic appeal with its lush, green foliage.
• Versatile Size: Ideal for both small and large spaces.
• Calming Effect: Helps to create a relaxing and calm atmosphere in your home.

How to Grow Coleus

Step-by-Step Process (Recommended for Home Gardeners):

• From Seeds:
  Soil: Use well-drained, fertile soil. A potting mix with coco peat, perlite, compost and pine bark works best.
  Planting: Choose a pot that is 2 inches larger than the root ball. Fill the pot with the right soil mixture and plant the Coleus at the same depth it was in its original container. Insert one green fertilizer stick and one root master stick fully into the soil, 2-3 inches away from the plant stem, and water gently.
  Watering: Mist the soil gently, keeping it moist but not soggy.
  Germination: Keep the pot warm (20-25°C). Expect germination in 10-14 days. Thin seedlings after they appear.
• From Cuttings:
  Cutting: Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant.
  Rooting: Place in water (submerge stem, keep leaves above water) or plant directly in moist soil.
  Development: After 1-2 weeks, roots should form. Transplant into a pot with well-draining soil.

Common Problems, Pests & Diseases

Urban Farmer’s Solutions for a Healthy plant:

1. Root Rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Root rot symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy or decayed roots. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid watering the plant frequently. To prevent or cure, mix 5 gm or half spoon of organic fungicide Tricho Shield per liter of water and drench 50 ml of the solution near the plant's stem. Repeat it 7 days after the first drenching for the best results.
2. Aphids and Mites: Aphids and mites suck the cell sap from the leaves and make the plant weak. These tiny insects can be controlled by spraying neem oil 2 ml/20 drops or Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water once a week for effective control.
3. Powdery Mildew: Lavender can develop powdery mildew in areas with high humidity. Powdery mildew appears as white or grayish powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it well and pruning regularly. Spray organic fungicide Tricho Shield 5 gm or half spoon per liter of water. Repeat the spray 7 days after the first spray for the best results.

Best Practices for Growing Coleus

Urban Farmer’s Expert Tips for Coleus:

• Soil: Use rich, well-draining soil. Add perlite or vermiculite for pots, and compost for garden beds. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix.
• Sunlight: Prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions (18°C to 30°C). Avoid cold or frost.
• Pruning: Regularly pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth. Remove dead leaves.
• Support: As Coleus grow taller, they may need support to stay upright. Use sticks to keep the plant straight if necessary.

Recommended Products for Coleus

Urban Farmer’s Trusted Products for Coleus Plant Care:

1. Fertilizers:
   • Balanced Fertilizer: Add one grow TAB in a liter of water and spray on foliage every 15 to 20 days. It helps in boosting overall growth and improving leaf color.
   • Slow-Release Fertilizer: Insert one green fertilizer stick fully into the soil, 2-3 inches away from the plant stem. Repeat it after 60 days. A single application of one stick provides your plants with a steady supply of nutrients for up to 2 months.
2. Pesticides:
   • Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that controls aphids, spider mites, and other common pests. Spray neem oil 2 ml or 20 drops per liter water every 20 days or as needed to prevent infestations. It’s safe for use on lavender and won’t harm beneficial insects like bees.
   • Tricho Shield: Mix 5 gm or half spoon of Tricho Shield (Trichoderma viride) in 1 liter of water and spray or drench it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew. Tricho Shield is an organic fungicide that promotes plant health without harming the environment.
   • Protec Tab: Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water and spray it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases and pest.
3. Growth Promoters:
   • Silicon-Based Growth Stimulators: Spray Tabsil at 1 tablet per 5 liters of water to improve plant resilience to diseases and enhance overall growth.
     Humidifiers & Misting Sprays: To maintain humidity and ensure a healthy environment for your Coleus.

By following these detailed guidelines and incorporating the trusted products recommended by Urban Farmer, you can cultivate healthy and vibrant Coleus in your home or terrace garden.