How to Grow Coleus Barbatus in India

Coleus Barbatus is a sweet little specimen that you can easily keep in a small space like a windowsill or a coffee table!

Coleus Barbatus is also popular as as Plectranthus barbatus or Indian Coleus. It is a perennial herbaceous that belongs to the mint family and is famous for its attractive foliage and colorful flowers. Let’s have a look at how to grow it easily!

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Coleus Barbatus Information

These perennials are native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Depending on the cultivar, they have showy, variegated leaves that can be green, yellow, pink, or purple. The leaves are opposite, ovate, and have scalloped margins. The plant can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall.

Coleus Barbatus is also traditionally popular in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure, chest pain, respiratory disorders, and digestive issues. The plant contains forskolin, a compound that has been shown to increase the levels of cyclic AMP, which can help relax muscles and widen blood vessels.

Botanical Name: Plectranthus barbatus

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How to Grow Coleus Barbatus?

Propagating Coleus Barbatus is a fairly easy process. The plant can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or root cuttings.

Seed: Coleus Barbatus seeds can be purchased from nurseries or online retailers. The seeds should be sown in moist, well-draining potting soil and kept in a warm, humid environment.

Stem Cuttings: Cut a stem from the Coleus Barbatus plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone, then place the stem into a pot of moist, well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment.

Root Cuttings: Take a root cutting from the Coleus Barbatus plant. Dip the cut end of the root into a rooting hormone, then place the root cutting into a pot of moist, well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment.

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Requirements to Grow Coleus Barbatus

Sunlight

Coleus Barbatus should receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown in an area with less light, it will still grow, but it may not be as full and vibrant as when grown in direct sunlight.

Soil

The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix for Coleus Barbatus is a combination of equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and compost.

Water

It is best to water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid watering the plant on a daily basis as it would attract root rot.

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Coleus Barbatus Care

Fertilizer

If you have used a good quality potting mix at the time of planting, then don’t worry much about feeding the plant. To boost the growth, you can use a balanced liquid fertlizer, diluted to 1/2 of its strength, once in 4-5 weeks.

Pruning

Pruning these plants help promote bushier, fuller growth with more vibrant foliage. Start by cutting off any dead or diseased leaves, as well as any weak stems.

Prune back stems that are growing too long or spindly, as this will help the plant stay more compact and encourage new growth.

Remove any flower buds that may have developed to ensure that the plant puts its energy into growing leaves instead of flowers.

Pests and Diseases

Pests:

Aphids, Fungus Gnats, Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Whiteflies.

Diseases:

Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Root Rot, Southern Blight, Bacterial Leaf Spot.

You can keep the pests at bay using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. To keep most of the diseases away, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure it receives plenty of light and good airflow.

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