Troubleshooting
Flowering coleus problems — and how to fix them
Flowering coleus (Plectranthus 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.
Flowering halts leaf production
Pinch flower spikes for more foliage; leave them for late-season pollinators.
Leggy stems
Pinch back regularly.
Wilted leaves
Pots dry out fast in summer; water deeply.
Faded leaf colour
Insufficient or too much light for the cultivar.
Mealybugs and whitefly
Treat with horticultural soap.
Prevent flowering coleus problems before they start
Most flowering coleus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common painted nettle problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Flowering coleus watering schedule
- Flowering coleus light requirements
- Best soil mix for flowering coleus
- Flowering coleus temperature & humidity
- Full flowering coleus care guide
Looking for flowering coleus in general rather than its problems? Read the full flowering coleus care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Flowering coleus problems — FAQ
Why is my flowering coleus flowering halts leaf production?
Pinch flower spikes for more foliage; leave them for late-season pollinators.
Why is my flowering coleus leggy stems?
Pinch back regularly.
Why is my flowering coleus wilted leaves?
Pots dry out fast in summer; water deeply.
Why is my flowering coleus faded leaf colour?
Insufficient or too much light for the cultivar.
Why is my flowering coleus mealybugs and whitefly?
Treat with horticultural soap.