Growing Coleus Collections by Propagation
Root Plant Cuttings Indoors With Soil or Water
Aug 13, 2008
Many beginners start on a path to gardening by growing coleus. Coleus is a very easy plant to grow indoors or outside, in containers or in planting beds. When gardeners live in northern climates, invariably as temperatures get colder it is time to decide what to do with the colorful coleus plants outside. Plant propagation is one solution.
Rooting Coleus Cuttings in Soil
Rooting coleus cuttings in soil is the best way to grow healthy coleus. These are some tips to improve success:
- Choose healthy coleus stems.
- Water the coleus plant thoroughly hours before cutting.
- Cut a stem approximately two inches long.
- Use a sharp knife or other cutter.
- Plant cuttings in growing mediums such as vermiculite, perlite or sand.
- Insert cuttings, top-end up.
- Keep growing medium moist.
- Maintain humidity.
- Do not fertilize.
Coleus cuttings in soil should be checked only after one week. They can be transplanted after there are roots two or three inches long.
Rooting Coleus Cuttings in Water
Making more plants from rooting coleus cuttings in water has been a tried and true method of propagation for generations. There is nothing easier than bringing a garden compadre a coleus cutting, root strands dangling from the stem, wrapped in moist paper toweling, stuffed in a plastic bag as a way to strengthen the bounds of friendship.
While rooting plants in water is easy, there are down sides, so here are some suggestions. First, if there are several cuttings, separate them into different jars. It is impossible to separate each from the others, after the roots have developed and become entangled. If the stems are pulled apart, all the effort to root them has been undone.
Growing cuttings in clear glass jars is a great kids' garden project. Most children are amazed to see roots growing from a stem and this can be the catalyst for science discussions. Jars with the cuttings in water should be set back from direct sun, especially in south or west exposures.
Roots developed in water have less sturdy tissue structures compared to roots grown in soil. When transplanting stems into soil care should be given not to press down too firmly when potting. This is one of the first steps in learning how to grow healthy coleus.
Coleus Book by Ray Rogers
Coleus enthusiasts seek new cultivar names, while looking for plants to add to their collection. Coleus: Rainbow Foliage for Containers and Gardens by Ray Rogers offers coleus fans many more photographs from which to choose and more details on how the grow and care for them.
At home plant propagation can be used for geraniums and tuberous begonia, as well. Houseplants like african violets and purple heart are easy to multiple as well.
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