- Keep pinching the tips so it stays in shape.
- Fertilize once a week at 1/4 strength with a 10-10-10 formula.
- If you keep it outside, make sure it's either sheltered or secured on windy days so it doesn't fall over and break.
To keep your plant vigorous, repot it every year and do a little root pruning in the process, if needed. It may sound intimidating, but it's really easy. First, carefully remove the plant from the container and gently brush off as much soil as you can. Look for any roots that are thick and woody and trim them back. Repot the standard in fresh soil in the same container.
- Overwintering— To keep your coleus standard so you can enjoy it again next year, place it in a sunny south- or east-facing window. Flourescent lights work, too. Make sure your coleus is kept out of drafts so the foliage doesn't drop. It's still important to water regularly, but stop fertilizing until early spring to give your coleus a rest. Don't worry if the coleus loses some foliage or the color fades or even changes a little. When the longer days of spring arrive, it should bounce right back.
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