Want to know How to Grow Coleus as a Tree? Here are the simple tips and tricks to make this colorful plant stand tall in your garden!
Have you ever witnessed a vivid coleus plant growing like a tree in someone’s garden and wanted to have the same in your yard? Don’t worry! We are here to help you! Learn all about How to Grow Coleus as a Tree in this article!
Learn How to Grow Coleus as a Houseplant here
Picking the Right Coleus
Before you plan to grow coleus as a tree, you have to bear in mind that not all varieties can grow tall as most of them hardly breach the 3 feet mark.
Mariposa, Candy Store, Vulcan, and Orange King are some of the best ones you can grow as trees. These varieties can easily reach 3-4 feet tall.
Check out the Best Types of Coleus here
How to Grow Coleus as a Tree
1. Picking the Right Container
Though coleus does well in 6-8 inches pot, that should definitely not be your pick if you have chosen the above-mentioned varieties.
In order to make sure these plants grow tall, it is important that you give their roots plenty of room to grow and expand for which, you need a large container.
Go for a 12-18 inches container— you can also plant 2-3 coleus together in it. This will also keep the plant stable as coleus can become heavy pretty soon.
2. Stake ’em Up!
If you are not going to stake a coleus tree, it will eventually droop and start to grow downwards or sideways. To help it grow straight and achieve good height, it is essential that you give it the right support.
For this, use a bamboo stake that’s at least a foot taller than the plant. Using a stretch tie or twine, attach it with the center stem, making sure you are not knotting it too tight.
3. Pinching and Topping
For coleus to grow as a tree, it is important that the plant grows straight. Half of this will be helped by the bamboo stake and half you have to do by pinching and topping.
Pinching the side branches the moment they start to grow will ensure that the plant diverts all its energy into growing straight. Also, snip away flowers and buds the moment you spot them.
Once the plant reaches the desired height of 3-4 feet, start topping—the process of removing the plant’s top growth, just above the node. This tricks two axillary buds below the cut to grow out 2 new branches, which gives the plant its tree-like or canopy look.
4. Keep Pruning
Once the plant attains a good height, start to prune in a way that it looks like a mini tree. Prune away the side growth and branches to clean the main stem.
The best ratio to follow is 2/3 stem with no growth and 1/3 canopy full of foliage. This will maintain that lush, tree-like look.
Learn How to Grow Coleus from Cuttings here
Some Quick Tips on Maintaining Coleus as a Tree
Overwintering Coleus as a Tree
To ensure the plant thrives as a tree, you’ll need to ‘overwinter’ it. Bring the coleus indoors during cold months and place it by the south or east-facing window.
Do not feed during this time and keep it safe from catching drafts. Come spring and it will start to get vibrant again!
Braiding a Coleus as a Tree
You can also braid the main stems of this plant to make it more attractive. Do this when they are young, soft, and tender — you’ll need more than 2-3 plants for this. Watch the video here.
Check out some Stunning Coleus Pictures here
