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Roots, Remnants and Finding My Way Back
Bringing nature indoors became more than a hobby—it became a living escape.
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Coleus
Solenostemon scutellarioides (syn. Plectranthus scutellarioides)
ThrivingKitchen, and Living Room
South and North Facing Window
Following in the footsteps of my grandfather, These were a plant I tried to grow from seed, having enjoyed the range of colours and patterns available from Begonia Rex's.
Light
Place it in a room with a bright window (like a south- or west-facing sill with sheer curtains, or an east-facing window) to get bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun. Too little light fades their vibrant colours, while harsh midday sun can scorch the leaves.
Water
Water regularly. Coleus are thirsty plants, so keep the soil moist. However, avoid overly damp soil, as this can cause leaf drop or root rot. It's recommend to use self-watering containers.
Subsoil / Pot
Coleus benefit from mixing a standard potting soil with perlite and houseplant compost, in a ratio of 4:1:1.
Acquired
January 2026
Care & environment
It's early days, but from watching these plants grow from seed, witnessing its first leaves to the colour.
Watering routine
Check top 2 cm twice weekly in spring/summer. Coleus droops when thirsty but rebounds rapidly once hydrated. These are definitely one of the more dramatic numbers in the collection.
Soil blend
2 parts peat-free potting compost, 1 part perlite, 1 part fine bark for moisture retention with steady drainage.
Dimensions
Approximately 15cm Tall
A personal note
The coleus was my first step into growing plants for myself. Held by the memory of my grandad doing it years ago, I wanted to give seed propagation a proper try—breaking the habit of simply buying fully formed plants from a shelf. Testing a few different seed varieties brought its share of trial and error, but the 'War Paint' coleus took off. Watching those first true leaves unfold and seeing the brilliant, chaotic colours pop through for the first time made the daily patience completely worth it.
Growth Timeline & Milestones
Spring 2026
Sown in trays on the windowsill; first seedlings sprouted within two weeks.
Late Summer 2026
Picked out into individual pots; 'War Paint' varieties showed their initial colour markings.
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