foliage
DecorativeColeus
Coleus scutellarioides
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Coleus is grown for its vivid patterned leaves in shades of red, pink, lime and burgundy, and it is fast and easy from cuttings. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
About Coleus
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is a fast, leafy plant from Southeast Asia and northern Australia, grown for vivid patterned leaves in red, pink, lime, and burgundy on square stems. It bushes out to between 30 and 60 cm and roots so readily from cuttings that one plant quickly fills several pots. The bright foliage and easy propagation make it a cheap, cheerful way to add colour to a small space.
Bright light deepens the leaf colours, while too little makes them muddy and the plant leggy. Keep the soil evenly moist, and pinch off the flower spikes and growing tips to keep it bushy. Cuttings root easily in water if you want more. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
What it’s like to grow
Coleus is fast and easy, well suited to someone who likes a colourful plant they can multiply for nothing. Its signals are quick: in low light the colours wash out and the stems stretch leggy, and if the soil dries too far it wilts and drops leaves. Give it bright light, keep the soil evenly moist, and pinch it to stay full. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it away from pets that nibble foliage.
What to expect
It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Coleus →
Tips
- Bright light deepens the leaf colours; too little makes them muddy and the plant leggy.
- Pinch off flower spikes and pinch the tips to keep it bushy.
- Cuttings root readily in water; keep the soil evenly moist.
Common problems
- Leggy, washed-out growth in low light.
- Wilting and leaf drop if it dries out too far.
Common questions
Is Coleus toxic to cats and dogs?
Coleus is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Coleus need?
Coleus wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Coleus?
Water Coleus when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Coleus need?
Coleus is happiest around 18–27 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 10 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Can I grow Coleus without a sunny window?
Yes. Coleus does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Coleus get?
A bushy plant ~0.3–0.6 m tall, with colourful patterned leaves on square stems.
How do I propagate Coleus?
Root a stem-tip cutting in moist mix or water within a week or two, then pot.
What pests affect Coleus?
Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, whitefly and aphids. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Coleus easy to grow?
Yes. Coleus is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Coleus
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.