I am a bushy, upright to mounding plant grown exclusively for my stunning, velvety-textured leaves.

My most iconic feature is my vividly colored, often multi-hued leaves that can be solid deep purple, or patterned with raspberry, maroon, and bright green edges. The leaf shape varies from elongated ovals to deeply cut, lace-like forms.

I produce small, insignificant blue or white flower spikes on upright stems. These are often pinched off to direct the plant's energy into maintaining lush foliage.

I am a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), evident by my square stems.

I am native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.

I prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. I wilt dramatically if allowed to dry out completely, but I recover quickly with a good drink.

Water me when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting me sit in soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot.

I enjoy high humidity but am quite adaptable to average conditions. In very dry air, leaf edges may become slightly crispy.

Consistent moisture is key to preventing stress, which can dull leaf color.

My color is light-dependent! For the richest, most intense purple and burgundy hues, I need bright, indirect light.

I thrive in partial shade (especially dappled morning sun) or bright, filtered light all day.

Too much direct, hot afternoon sun will scorch and fade my beautiful leaves.

In too much deep shade, my stems will become leggy as I stretch for light, and my leaf color may become more green and washed out.

I am a heat-loving tropical plant and thrive in warm temperatures.

My ideal range is 18°C to 29°C.

I am extremely sensitive to cold and frost. I am grown as a summer annual in most climates or as a year-round houseplant (USDA zones 10-11 if outdoors).

I am a superstar in shaded container gardens, mixed annual beds, and as a bold border plant.

Use a rich, well-draining potting mix.

Pinch back the growing tips and flower buds regularly to encourage a bushy, compact, and colorful plant. Without pinching, I can become tall and leggy.

I root easily in water from stem cuttings, making propagation simple.

I am a moderate to heavy feeder due to my fast growth and constant leaf production.

Feed me every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.

For potted plants, a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting is also effective.

Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen formulas, which can encourage more green growth.

Scientific Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides (formerly Coleus blumei). The purple varieties are specific cultivars.

Common Names: Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle

Plant Family: Lamiaceae

Plant Type: Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual

I am considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils and compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling) if ingested in quantity. It's best to plant me where pets won't be tempted to nibble.

While not a top air purifier, my abundant foliage contributes to basic gas exchange and oxygen production. I am primarily grown for ornamental impact.