Troubleshooting
Coleus problems — and how to fix them
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leggy stems
Pinch flowers and growing tips every 1-2 weeks.
Faded colour
Insufficient light for the cultivar.
Wilted leaves
Coleus wilts fast; water and they recover within hours.
Mealybugs and whitefly
Common indoor pests; treat with horticultural soap.
Prevent coleus problems before they start
Most coleus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Coleus problems — FAQ
Why is my coleus leggy stems?
Pinch flowers and growing tips every 1-2 weeks.
Why is my coleus faded colour?
Insufficient light for the cultivar.
Why is my coleus wilted leaves?
Coleus wilts fast; water and they recover within hours.
Why is my coleus mealybugs and whitefly?
Common indoor pests; treat with horticultural soap.