Koleus is a genus of plants closely related to basil. Like her, many of the approx. 200 species of the genus have aromatic and healing properties, but are also grown for edible rhizomes or tubers. Some are known for their psychotropic properties, although their effects have been questioned.
An example of such a species is Blume's coleus, which, however, acquires utility significance for a completely different reason. The most valuable property of this species is its unusual decorative qualities. There are few plants with leaves in such delightful colors as are found in this species. Not only do they sparkle with almost all (except blue) colors of the rainbow and interpenetrate each other in a variety of patterns and patterns, but their colors delight with exceptional saturation and intensity.
Koleus Blumego , now known in Latin as Plectranthus scutallarioides (until recently Coleus blumei), is a species of perennial or shrub that grows naturally in Java and the Philippines. It includes countless varieties with ovoid leaves with a serrated or notched edge. Their shape resembles our well-known nettle, which is why it is colloquially called this. In varieties, the leaves can be fancifully notched or wavy. The leaves can be of various sizes, ranging from a few to 30 cm in length. They are seated on a fleshy, four-angular stem. Plants can reach 20 to 80 cm in height. In summer, spikes appear with tiny light blue flowers. Unlike most plants, these flowers disfigure plants, so when growing, you should try to prevent flowering by trimming shoots or removing inflorescence buds as soon as they appear.
Until recently, Blume's koleus was grown primarily as a pot plant.Currently, it is gaining much more popularity as a container plant for decorating balconies and terraces. The huge range of colors makes them blend in perfectly with almost all genres. The composition of different varieties of koleus planted together in one, e.g. a clay pot, also looks beautiful. Koleuses are also used as annual bedding plants and flower beds. They can be used to create flower beds and borders, and if planted densely in a larger group, they will prove themselves as ground cover plants, creating single or multi-colored carpets.
Koleus Blume is a species that is very easy to grow. The secret of its care lies in the appropriate selection of the position and frequent pruning of the shoots, thanks to which the plants retain a nice shape and remain decorative for longer, as well as abundant watering. They do not grow well at high temperatures. In hot weather, they can wither quickly, so do not expose them to direct sunlight in the afternoon hours. The selection of the site is important to bring out the depth of the color, because the leaves are less stained in shadowy areas.It is best to provide the plants with a slightly shaded position, because the leaves will be nicely colored there and will not be exposed to burns. The ground for koleus should be moist, but very well drained, with a high proportion of organic matter, e.g. peat substrate with the addition of sand, pH 5.5-6.5. Plants are best fed with a compound fertilizer with a low nitrogen content.
Koleus Blume is very easy to propagate on your ownSome varieties are propagated from seeds, which germinate after 8-15 days at an optimal temperature (22-24 ° C). Most varieties, however, can only be propagated vegetatively by apical shoot cuttings. In spring, cuttings are taken from plants stored indoors over the winter. 3-4 weeks before collecting the seedlings, transfer the mother plants to a bright and warm room. 5-8 cm long cuttings are taken from young shoots that then sprout. The cuttings take root very easily, the fastest (approx. 2 weeks) at the temperature of20-24 ° C, but they will easily take root even in water. After the cuttings are rooted or the seedlings are pierced, the plants are peeled off to spread. Plants are sensitive to frosts, so we plant them permanently after May 15th.
