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Coleus or Solenostemon
Family - Labiatae
Coleus has an interesting ability to change it's leaves color depending on the
intencity of the sunlight. It is one of the plants with soft leaves that is not
afraid of sunburns. In fact, on direct sunlight it will flame with beautiful
burgundy-red color. Less sun - greener leaves will it have.
Intensive light is preferrable also for forming plant's shape. If it doesn't
have enough light - growth becomes unattractively leggy. Don't hesitate to cut
back this plant. Due to vigorous growth it needs constantly trimming to keep
the shape nice and compact, so from time to time pinch out the growing points
it will help coleus to stay bushy.
Coleus likes to be watered often enough to keep the soil moist. If it dries out
- the leaves will hang down lifeless and you might think that plant is dead.
But try to water it - in a couple of minutes coleus will stand up fresh and
healthy again, although drying out might cause leaves dropping.
Propagate coleuses with stem cuttings. I don't even bother with rooting it in
the water. Just stick the stem in the soil and keep the soil constantly moist.
It will start to grow right away.
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