Hi @julisari_
Thanks for your comment about your Coleus.
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a popular and colourful foliage plant that can add a vibrant touch to your indoor or outdoor space. It is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. However, they are subject to the same houseplant pests and diseases that many indoor plants suffer from.
I believe the pest you're seeing is mealy bug damage. The holes in the leaves where they have sucked the sap on the underside of the leaf along with yellowing of the leaves as they are weakened and damaged. Mealybugs can be a real pest to get rid of. They love humidity and warm conditions.
The best way is with a weak mix of water and washing up liquid sprayed on them. Neem oil is also a ethical choice to treat the underside of the leaves with.
Here are some care tips to keep your coleus looking healthy and beautiful:
1. Light: Coleus plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some morning or evening sun, but avoid exposing them to intense, direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. Too much sun can cause leaf burn, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and loss of colour intensity.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During hot weather, coleus may need more frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. In cooler months, reduce watering frequency.
3. Humidity: Coleus enjoys higher humidity levels. If you're growing them indoors, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plants to increase humidity. Misting the foliage occasionally can also help, but avoid wetting the leaves excessively, as this can lead to fungal issues.
4. Temperature: Coleus prefers temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost. If you're growing coleus outdoors, make sure to bring them indoors when the temperature drops.
5. Fertilizer: Feed your coleus with a balanced liquid fertilizer 7:7:7 every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leggy growth with fewer leaves.
https://youtu.be/5BhGtCjT2TQ
6. Pruning: Regularly pinch or prune the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pinching also helps to maintain the desired shape of the coleus plant. You can use the pruned cuttings to propagate new plants if desired.
7. Pests and Diseases: Coleus is generally resistant to pests, but occasionally they may attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pests, and if found, treat the affected areas with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
8. Propagation: Coleus is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. Once roots are established, transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
https://youtu.be/KRxEh05E5iI
Happy growing!
Lee
Hi @julisari_
Thanks for your comment about your Coleus.
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a popular and colourful foliage plant that can add a vibrant touch to your indoor or outdoor space. It is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. However, they are subject to the same houseplant pests and diseases that many indoor plants suffer from.
I believe the pest you're seeing is mealy bug damage. The holes in the leaves where they have sucked the sap on the underside of the leaf along with yellowing of the leaves as they are weakened and damaged. Mealybugs can be a real pest to get rid of. They love humidity and warm conditions.
The best way is with a weak mix of water and washing up liquid sprayed on them. Neem oil is also a ethical choice to treat the underside of the leaves with.
Here are some care tips to keep your coleus looking healthy and beautiful:
1. Light: Coleus plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some morning or evening sun, but avoid exposing them to intense, direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. Too much sun can cause leaf burn, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and loss of colour intensity.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During hot weather, coleus may need more frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. In cooler months, reduce watering frequency.
3. Humidity: Coleus enjoys higher humidity levels. If you're growing them indoors, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plants to increase humidity. Misting the foliage occasionally can also help, but avoid wetting the leaves excessively, as this can lead to fungal issues.
4. Temperature: Coleus prefers temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost. If you're growing coleus outdoors, make sure to bring them indoors when the temperature drops.
5. Fertilizer: Feed your coleus with a balanced liquid fertilizer 7:7:7 every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leggy growth with fewer leaves.
6. Pruning: Regularly pinch or prune the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pinching also helps to maintain the desired shape of the coleus plant. You can use the pruned cuttings to propagate new plants if desired.
7. Pests and Diseases: Coleus is generally resistant to pests, but occasionally they may attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pests, and if found, treat the affected areas with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
8. Propagation: Coleus is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. Once roots are established, transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
Happy growing!
Lee
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