Everyday Minerals For Mac Nc30

Coleus

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Labiatae
Genre: Coleus

Photo: Coleus blumei

contains about 150 species of annual or perennial evergreen plants, which reach a height of about 30-50 cm and is grown for its spectacular foliage.

The genus name derives from the greek Koleos, sheath, scabbard, by virtue of the filaments of the stamens that appear together in small bundles, is native to the island of Java.

cultivated specimens are all derived from C. blumei.

are perennials grown as annuals, with opposite leaves, ovate-acuminate and crenate margins, with the foil of various colors, depending on the variety, stems square in section and small insignificant flowers blue-purple meeting in the ear, hatched in winter, which will be eliminated as soon appeared, to prevent the plant going to seed, loses its beauty (with the exception of C. thyrsoideus which has a rich and decorative flowering in winter).

Although perennial plants, they prefer to sow them every spring or multiplied by such (given that the adult plants tend to become clumsy), especially if you intend to use them outside to decorate borders or flower beds.

Species:
Coleus blumei: from the island of Java, this species, perennial but grown as an annual, has spreading habit and reaches a height of 30-40 cm.
He often red heart-shaped leaves with green margins (but can also take on different colors), while flowers, small and insignificant, should be removed as soon as it occurred (ie not left fully developed) so that the plant has a negative impact to the detriment of the beauty of foliage.

Coleus thyrsoideus: has heart shaped leaves and, from November to March, produces many flower color bright blue, in panicles, which are decorative.
can reach a height of 1 m. It usually grows as a biennial plant is grown and after flowering until spring or summer to take cuttings.
should be watered thoroughly in the winter to maintain a beautiful flower.

Coleus verschaffeltii: has larger size of C. blumei and heart-shaped leaves, toothed and smooth the foil and purple with green margins.

environmental requirements, substrate, fertilizer and stratagems,
temperature: the minimum winter temperature tolerated is about 16 ° C. If grown in pots, the winter will be taken at home or in a cold greenhouse.
Light : Due to the very colorful foliage, it needs very bright displays, with the exception of the direct rays of the sun.
and humidity Watering: Watering should be plentiful in summer, less in winter (with the exception of C. thyrsoideus which blooms in winter, and therefore requires heavy watering even in this time of year). The humidity should be increased by any means.
Substrate: The ideal soil should be a mixture of peat, soil and leaves of fertilized land in equal parts, with the addition of sand.
Fertilization and special precautions: Coleus are planted in the spring. Although perennials are grown as annuals.

Multiplication Propagation and Pruning: The most widely used method of propagation is by cuttings, which must be taken in the spring, the species C. blumei non-flowering branches (length about 7-8 cm), while C. thyrsoideus from the shoots of plants pruned.
The cuttings should be placed at the root of a mixture of peat and sand at a temperature of 16-18 ° C.
Pruning: Coleus should be subjected to the shearing of the shoot tip every 2-3 weeks, in order to stimulate the production of other classes.
plants grown as biennials (thyrsoideus C. and C. blumei) should be pruned in February, about two-thirds (10 cm from the base for C. thyrsoideus).

diseases, pests and adverse
- Aleurotide greenhouses: these little white flies spread quickly from plant to plant. Specimens affected are covered with sugars (which favor the attack by scale insects), turn yellow and wither. He fought with insecticide.
- Aphids: attack leaves and flowers. The sap and make the plant sticky. Are eliminated by washing the plant and treating it with insecticide specific.
- Cochineal: they occur most easily on copies already attached dall'aleurotide greenhouses. You fight with anticoccidials and eliminating branches and leaves affected. As an alternative to chemical, you can rub the affected areas with a brush wet with water and alcohol.
- Leaves that turn yellow or wilt and fall: water shortage.
- wrinkled and dark ring on the stem: rot due to excessive watering.
- Leaves sparsely colored: light exposure is not sufficient.
- changes in temperature and low temperatures: the plant is reduced to a sodden heap. We must cut the affected parties and move the plant in a warmer place and without currents.

Some varieties of the most colorful:

Coleus Chocolate Mint and