Is Watermelon Coleus A Perennial?

Is watermelon coleus a perennial?

Versatile Coleus Solenostemon Scutellarioides, also known as watermelon, is a perennial native to the tropics; however it is typically handled as a fragile annual. Watermelon Coleus is a sub species of the Solenostemon scutellarioides, native to India and Asia.

Watermelon is a retired perennial but still remains widely available. The plant is commonly grown in large pots, and many times will reward the gardener by producing flowers, fruit, and leaves all at once. A common mistake is to tell new gardeners that watermelon Coleus is a perennial.

Watermelon Coleus will die back to the soil in winter giving a false impression that it is a perennial. Don’t be fooled! Watermelon coleus has been given the classification of annual but with widely available seeds and easy propagation; it should not fall under this category.

What is Watermelon Coleus?

The watermelon coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) grows to a height of 20 to 24 inches and a width of 18 to 22 inches, creating mounds of crimson leaves with green margins. This vibrant shrub is only hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Due to this sensitive tropical’s sensitivity to low temperatures, it is frequently planted as an annual or houseplant. Watermelon coleus is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates heat and shade. Watermelon coleus creates an eye-catching plant with vibrant foliage.

The plant makes an excellent container specimen and is a popular houseplant. Watermelon coleus, also known as Solenostemon scutellarioides, typically grows in full sun to partial shade.

Watermelon coleus is a perennial but will die back to the soil in cold winter months. Plant in a container with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

How do you grow Watermelon Coleus?

Slow-release fertilizer should be mixed into damp, well-draining soil. Watermelon coleus plants should be planted in big pots or 12 to 18 inches apart in the ground. Maintain the coleus’s planting depth at the same level as it was growing.

Planting too deeply can result in crown rot, while planting too shallow might result in the root ball drying up. For the finest color, place the coleus plants in full light. When planted in partial shade, the colors fade slightly.

When it does not rain, water the watermelon coleus once a week. Water anytime the soil gets dry if grown in a container. Water the soil around the plants’ bases, avoiding splashing the foliage.

Every two weeks, feed the plants with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants that has been diluted to half strength. When growing in the ground, feed the plants once a month. If you do not have access to houseplant fertilizer, use a complete fertilizer.

In the spring, pinch the ends of the stems to promote branching, which results in a bushy plant. These will help maintain the plants compact and prevent them from becoming lanky. When the blossoms emerge, pinch them out. The blooms are unattractive and overshadow the gorgeous foliage.

In early September, trim the tops of long stems with a sharp knife to grow new watermelon coleus plants. Individually containerize the cuttings in potting soil.

When the weather begins to cool in the fall, bring container-grown watermelon coleus plants indoors. These tropical plants are extremely vulnerable to cold-related harm. When subjected to cold conditions, watermelon coleus plants in the ground will die, and must be replanted the following spring.

Does Watermelon Coleus like sun or shade?

Coleus watermelon thrives on soil that is cold, evenly wet, and well-drained. While constant rainfall is desirable, damp circumstances promote root disease. Watering should be used in conjunction with available sun.

While some newer coleus cultivars tolerate full light, the majority still thrive in partial shade with direct sun restricted to the early hours.

In the proper conditions, watermelon coleus is a versatile houseplant that thrives in containers. The robust growth and abundance of foliage make this plant an excellent choice for container gardening. Watermelon coleus makes an excellent indoor plant for offices, restaurants, and homes with limited outdoor watering access.

Although most of the watermelon coleus plants will die back to the soil during winter, some will survive in containers.

How often do you water Watermelon Coleus?

Water the coleus watermelon when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. The coleus watermelon is a drought tolerant plant; there should not be standing water around the base.

Coleus care should allow for root drainage. The roots are close to the surface, so over-watering will result in root rot. Make sure that your pots have proper drainage holes and that your pots can drain quickly and efficiently.

If the plant is browning and wilting, it is either over-watered or under-watered. An easy way to test for this is to stick your finger and push into the soil. If it feels moist, do not water.

Even if you have not had much success in growing plants, coleus watermelon plant should be easy to grow and maintain.

You can get Coleus Watermelon plant at a nearby Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make sure to follow the watering instructions on the tag attached to the pot of Coleus.

The soil should be well-drained and moist. The soil should always feel damp and never wet.

Water in the morning and evening, using a fine mist spray nozzle on your faucet. For best results, water at least once every 7 to 10 days, but do not wait more than two weeks without water.

How do you prune Watermelon Coleus?

Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Watermelon coleus is a short-lived perennial, and the stems will die back in cooler temperatures. In late summer, trim each stem at the base to create new plants for next year.

The first thing that you can understand about pruning watermelon coleus is that pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Watermelon coleus is a short-lived perennial, and the stems will die back in cooler temperatures. In late summer, trim each stem at the base to create new plants for next year.

To get a good shape, prune the plant in early spring before growth begins. Watermelon coleus can be single stemmed or branched. Pruning allows you to keep the coleus within bounds and still enjoy your plant.

Is Watermelon Coleus a succulent?

Coleus watermelon is a perennial that produces leaves, stems and flowers in the summer. The stems are thick and fleshy and have an appearance similar to a succulent.

The fleshy leaves of watermelon coleus thrive under warm, humid conditions. This plant is not considered a succulent, though it does have stem segments that resemble them.

Watermelon Coleus is a perennial that produces leaves, stems, and flowers in the summer. The stems are thick and fleshy and have an appearance similar to a succulent.

The fleshy leaves of watermelon coleus thrive under warm, humid conditions. This plant is not considered a succulent, though it does have stem segments that resemble them.

Is Coleus watermelon poisonous?

Although the coleus is not a succulent, it is not poisonous. For many gardeners, the name “succulent” conjures up the image of cacti where people fear the plant. The coleus is not commonly known as a succulent and it does not have spines or prickles like a cactus. It can still be found in some nurseries and on-line home improvement stores that sell plants as succulents.

Coleus watermelon plant can be grown in a container or in the ground. It can be grown outdoors, indoors or in a greenhouse. The plant is frost hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and overwintering cultivation may be possible within south facing windows and under light shade cloth. The fruit can grow in an open garden as long as it receives plenty of sunlight. The fruit can grow well in pots or containers, but it will be a smaller version than if grown in an open garden.

Watermelon coleus plant is a very versatile plant and can be found in colors of white, black and green. The coleus is small and compact when compared to other plants and can grow as tall as twelve inches. Unlike the watermelon, the fruit of the coleus is rather insignificant since it is rarely produced.

Is Watermelon Coleus easy to grow?

Coleus watermelon plant is a very easy to grow plant and can be found in colors of white, black and green. The coleus is small and compact when compared to other plants, growing as tall as twelve inches. Unlike the watermelon, the fruit of the coleus is rather insignificant since it is rarely produced.

Watermelon coleus plant care should be well-drained soil and plenty of direct sunlight. The leaves can come in many different colors such as red, purple, green or white. This plant is great for gardens or container gardens and can also be used indoors.

Water the coleus watermelon when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. The coleus watermelon is a drought tolerant plant; there should not be standing water around the base.

Watering weekly will help keep your plant looking its best. Watering every other week may be recommended if you live in a very humid area or if heat stress occurs during summer months.

Is Watermelon Coleus an indoor plant?

Watermelon coleus is an outdoor plant, but if you live in a mild climate and your garden has adequate water and sunlight, it should do well inside. Watermelon coleus is best suited for growing in a container. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, provided you have adequate light and water. This plant needs full sun to thrive and grow properly outdoors.

Watermelon coleus is a very versatile plant and can be found in colors of white, black or green. The coleus is small and compact when compared to other plants, growing as tall as twelve inches.

Watermelon coleus care should be well-drained soil and plenty of direct sunlight. The leaves can come in many different colors such as red, purple, green or white. This plant is great for gardens or container gardens and can also be used indoors.

Watermelon Coleus is an outdoor plant, but if you live in a mild climate and your garden has adequate water and sunlight, it should do well inside.

How big do Watermelon Coleus get?

The watermelon coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) grows to a height of 20 to 24 inches and a width of 18 to 22 inches, creating mounds of crimson leaves with green margins. This vibrant shrub is only hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It requires full sun, good drainage and a neutral pH soil.

The watermelon coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a tropical perennial with glossy and olive green leaves that are waxy in texture. This shrub produces small white minute flowers during the late summer months.

Watermelon coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South Africa and has a white fuzzy flower. It is popularly used in gardens as a bright and colorful house plant.

Watermelon coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South Africa and has a white fuzzy flower. It is popularly used in gardens as a bright and colorful house plant.

How do you propagate Watermelon Coleus?

Coleus watermelon can be propagated from stem cuttings taken from a mature plant in the fall or early spring when the leaves are starting to emerge. The following are steps when propagating;

• Use a sharp knife to cut a stem segment approximately 2 to 3 inches long.
• Remove the lower leaves and place into a container filled with water. This helps keep the cut end of the stem moist.
• Watermelon coleus can also be propagated from seeds that are sown in pots outdoors once temperatures drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It will take about 8 weeks before your plant starts to emerge and produce leaves.
• Watermelon coleus propagation is most successful using stem segments with three or more nodes. Plant the stem segment in a pot filled with potting soil and keep under full sunlight.
• Seeds may also be sown directly in the garden by burying them without covering them with soil according to your local seed-saving guidelines.