How much to water a coleus (outside, in a 10 inch clay pot)?

Question

The care instructions say "full sun, medium water". I bought it 4 days ago and have had to water it every day. We had a good soaker rain last night, so I thought I wouldn't need to water today, but by 10 am it was looking very sad. I watered it and it perked right up. It's on the east side of the house, and gets full sun until about 2:00 in the afternoon.

Does it need so much water because it's in a planter, not in the ground?

Also, I know it's supposed to be an annual, but does it keep well as a house plant over the winter? It's so pretty bright red leaves with bright green edges--very retro holiday colors!

Answer 1

It may be the clay pot. I don't use that kind because they soak up lots of water. Try plastic. I have that same plant in a plastic pot and it is thriving.

Yeah, keep it inside during the winter and it will be Ok. Also pinch the tips every now and then and it will become fuller.

Answer 2

Coleus are water suckers to begin with and that clay pot is for sure not helping in keeping the soil moist. Your goal with coleus is to keep the soil moist most of the time,but be sure to let it dry out from time to time. They will definately let you know when they are thirsty,,,,,as you already know this by what you said about it looking sad already early in the day. Coleus also tend to thrive and be happier in part sun to shade conditions.....the variety you have is a newer variety bred to handle more sun than most of the old time coleus but they really still can't handle all day hot, full sun. Probably is a Proven Winner of some sort? Proven Winners are great plants and they have some awesome varieties of Coleus. Try putting it in a spot that it doesnt get as much sun,,,,,a little afternoon protection from the harsh sun really makes a difference. Also, when you water.......water like you have been doing so and when you are done giving it that amount of water.....give it that much more. An exception to this rule is the Kong Varietes of Coleus....they prefer to stay on the dry side. As for them adapting as houseplants, yes they do. Provide them with plenty of sun inside and keep their soil moist......indoors give them a diluted plant food once a month. Also,,,,you can cut the tips off(about 2-3" off the tops) and put them in water or very very moist soil and they will start to root and you can have as many as your heart desires! One other little tip...hummingbirds love their flowers. A lot of people don't prefer to keep their flowers on and will pinch them off...but if you like hummingbirds....let them flower and more than likely if there are hummingbirds in your neighborhood...they will find your coleus!

Answer 3

I have one too they do dry out easily. I agree change pots. The coleus has been around as a house plant for years. They do well inside if you give them lots of sun, like a window sill.

Answer 4

No - no

Give it bright light but only dappled sunlight. It will still require lots of water.

Heat will make it start to produce flower stalks. When it starts to make flower spikes, pinch them off along with about 3 or 4 sets of leaves.

You can easily make tip cuttings to keep over winter.