How Do You Care For Kong Coleus?

How do you care for Kong coleus?

Kong coleus series provides constant color in the shade with large colorful leaves. Prune flower spikes that develop towards the end of summer to extend the foliage’s display. Kong coleus is suitable for bulk planting or container gardening.

When combined planters are employed, Kong coleus performs best when planted towards the container’s outside. The following are some factors to consider when providing care;

Light:

Kong Coleus thrives in partial shade and dappled shade, but will wither away in heavy shade. Indeed, their finest leaf color occurs when they receive early sun and some afternoon shade. The color shift can also be influenced by temperature, the amount of available sunshine, and the fertility of the soil, among other factors.

Watering:

Watering during the winter and summer months is kept to a minimum. Summer requires more watering, but the soil should dry somewhat between watering and the leaves should be slightly knotted.

It should be irrigated sparingly and gradually during the winter; over watering might result in the establishment of fungal infections. However, total soil drying is not permitted, as this might result in leaf loss. Pour with gentle water if possible.

Soil:

Coleus Kong thrives in typical commercial potting soil. Create your own rich soils by using ingredients rich in organic matter – such as leaves, thick mulch bark, and plenty of organic compost, peat moss, or hay – or just purchase one online. Due to the fact that scutellarioides loves an evenly wet growth environment, your soil should be suitable.

Temperature:

Kong Coleus thrives in the heat and are unable to communicate below 55 °F. Cold, excessively moist soils can cause leaf loss and may promote disease concerns. Extreme temperatures above 95 °F, on the other hand, are likewise undesirable.

Plant the plants once any threat of frost has gone and the soil temperature has warmed sufficiently and the nighttime temperature has reached 60 °F.

Fertilizer:

It is advisable to fertilize Kong Coleus lightly, particularly in containers. Slow release fertilizers with a balanced nutrient mix are advised for containers, however a half strength liquid fertilizer used every two weeks throughout the growth season be enough.

These plants will not exhibit their optimum color if overfed, so be prudent and consistent with your fertilization.

Overwinter:

Overwintering the Kong Coleus indoors as houseplants is one alternative, but temperatures near 70 °F remain best. Plants should be rotated and pruned back as needed to preserve shape. Consider grow lights as a possible solution for providing appropriate winter lighting.

Pests and diseases:

Under some situations, slugs, snails, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and rarely aphids may provide problems. Positive identification of these pests is necessary before selecting an appropriate treatment approach.

While few fungi, bacteria, and viruses attack plants, there may be rare problems with stem rot, root rot, or downy mildew, all of which are directly related to moisture inputs and associated growth conditions.

After conducting proper study and consultation, solutions such as relocating the plant, pinching healthy cuttings for re-establishment, or eliminating the plant may be considered.

Pruning:

Pinch back the majority of kinds every few weeks to avoid bloom production. This focuses the plant’s energy toward branching and leaf growth rather than blooming, resulting in a fuller plant. Pinch off blossoms throughout the summer to maintain a large, luxuriant plant. For the finest look, pinch right above a group of leaves or branching junction.

Propagation:

Kong Coleus can be propagated from seed. Plants should not be transplanted into the garden until all risk of frost has passed; seed planting should occur eight to twelve weeks before the latest frost date.

Seeds should be placed in at least three inches of growth media (at a temperature of 70 °F) and should be sown on the surface, since they require light to sprout. Watering evenly and on time is also recommended, as is misting (for humidity control) and frequent inspection.

Are Kong coleus indoor plants?

Although coleus is generally planted outside as an annual, if growth circumstances are ideal, its brilliant leaves give months of delight indoors. Indeed, coleus plants thrive in containers. Continue reading to discover how to cultivate coleus as an indoor plant.

Kong Coleus is a tropical perennial that thrives in partial shade, but will wither away in heavy shade. Indeed, their finest leaf color occurs when they receive early sun and some afternoon shade.

The color shift can also be influenced by temperature, the amount of available sunshine, and the fertility of the soil, among other factors. This plant is susceptible to certain diseases; however, it is not difficult to grow or propagate.

Is Kong coleus sun or shade?

The Kong series coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), a 2004 introduction, will not survive in direct sunlight.

The vibrantly colored leaves – which are described as being large enough to cover your face – love shade with a hint of early sun. Kong Coleus is a tropical perennial that thrives in partial shade and dappled shade, but will wither away in heavy shade.

Indeed, their finest leaf color occurs when they receive early sun and some afternoon shade. The color shift can also be influenced by temperature, the amount of available sunshine, and the fertility of the soil, among other factors.

Plants must be watered well but evenly. If you water too much or too little coleus starts to wilt and will not recover easily. It is best to use a watering can with a fine rose or watering pot for indoor plants. Watering during the flowering season (summer) is more frequent than in winter.

How big does a Kong coleus get?

At maturity, King Kong Coleus will reach a height of around 3 feet and a spread of about 3 feet. Individual plants should be spaced roughly 30 inches apart whether grown in bulk or as a bedding plant. Kong Coleus is not frost tolerant, and the plant should be cut down in autumn. The best way to propagate this is by stem tip or leaf-bud cuttings.

The best soil for King Kong Coleus is a well-drained soil that holds moisture but still allows drainage. A mixture of peat and sandy loam will work well, with the addition of some organic fertilizer.

The leaves of King Coleus are fragrant and aromatic – making for a lovely indoor air circulation. Coleus does not produce many flowers, but instead produce dense sprays of small silver-green flowers that bloom through the late summer and fall months. These blooms have a lovely lemon scent to them.

Is a Kong coleus a perennial?

While coleus is a fragile perennial, the majority of gardeners treat it as an annual. Coleus is a robust, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in a wide variety of soils. The “Kong Rose” is a more recent cultivar that is distinguished by its massive, light-green leaves and rose-colored heart. Establish Kong Rose in a shady location.

Kong Coleus as an annual is best grown in bright light, but artificial light is also sometimes used. The soil in which this plant is cultivated must be loose, well-drained, and composed of a mixture of humus and coarse sand.

Special attention should be given to the watering of coleus plants. Soil should remain moist, with watering being increased during the hot months of summer and also during blooming season.

Screened containers provide excellent protection from insects that attack coleus plants. Coleus can grow up to twenty inches in a single month, providing you with quick color for your landscape design or flower garden.

Is Kong coleus an annual?

Coleus in the Kong Series is sold as annuals, or plants that bloom for only one season. This season can be extended by cutting off bloom stems that grow in the fall. They perish when the first frost occurs. Kong Coleus plants can be propagated from stem tip or leaf-bud cuttings.

Coleus is sold both as seeds and as plants. Coleus should be planted in full sun to part shade, with afternoon shade being preferred.

Those grown in full sun tend to grow upright and have the best foliage color while those grown in part shade will have a more spreading habit and a lighter color.

Coleus may be left undisturbed for many years, so they make excellent border plants along railroad tracks and walkways. Plants should be planted in full sun to part shade, with afternoon shade being preferred.

Those grown in full sun tend to grow upright and have the best foliage color while those grown in part shade will have a more spreading habit and a lighter color.

Is Kong coleus poisonous?

This species’ leaves, stems, and roots contain silica, which is somewhat poisonous. As a result, it is recommended to maintain them properly hydrated at all times, and to spritz the leaves to keep they wet.

If you see any yellowing on the leaves or stems of the plant, a trim may be necessary. Keep the roots away from youngsters and pets. Kong Coleus is a tropical plant that requires a high level of heat and humidity. Cut your Kong coleus back to around 6″ height in the fall, and then water thoroughly.

Coleus plants enjoy afternoon shade and should be placed in full sun to part shade. Those cultivated in full sun grow erect and have the greatest foliage color, whilst those grown in part shade have a more spreading habit and a lighter hue. Kong Coleus is a hardy perennial with huge glossy leaves that can withstand light cold.