Description of Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss.
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. is commonly known as the Indian Coleus, or Pashanabhedi. It is a short-lived perennial herb, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, that can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Origin
The plant is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia, where it has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Indian Coleus or Pashanabhedi in India. Other common names include Makandi, Coleus forskohli, and Plectranthus barbatus.
Uses
The roots of Coleus collinus contain forskolin, a chemical that has been used to help treat asthma, high blood pressure, and other conditions. It is also used as a weight loss supplement and to help increase muscle mass. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a decorative plant in gardens due to its striking appearance.
General Appearance
The leaves of Coleus collinus are usually 3 to 5 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide. The leaves are green but can have a purple tint on their undersides. The plant produces small purple-blue flowers that grow in clusters on the stem. The stems are green and hairy, with the lower parts of the plant being woody and the upper parts being tender.
Light Requirements
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it is best to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day or if grown in a hot climate. Indoors, Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. can be grown under fluorescent lights or in a location with plenty of bright, filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15.5-24°C). It is important to keep the temperature consistent, avoiding extreme changes in temperature which can cause stress to the plant and stunt its growth. Therefore, it is important to grow Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. in areas with stable temperature, providing proper heating or cooling as needed.
Soil Requirements
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. needs well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to flourish. Soil pH should be between 6.0-7.5. A good potting mix can be made by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite or coco coir. A light, porous soil mix will allow for ample root growth and airflow, which is important for the overall health of the plant. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not wet or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is crucial to provide well-draining pots and proper watering habits.
Cultivation Methods
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that is an excellent choice for novice gardeners. It is best grown in warm, humid, tropical or subtropical climates, where it thrives in full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile, and moist soil, although it can tolerate drought conditions for a short period.
You can propagate Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. by using stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or by seed. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and put in a well-draining potting medium. Leaf cuttings can also be taken and put into the soil. Seeds can be sown in spring or summer, and the seedlings should be in warm and bright conditions.
Watering Needs
Watering Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss requires a delicate balance. While the plant likes a consistently moist soil, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Water your Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. regularly, or whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the hot, dry season, you may need to water your plant more frequently.
Fertilization
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Decrease the frequency of fertilization during the colder months when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
To promote branching and prevent Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. from becoming too leggy, you should prune regularly. Pinch off the tips of new growth regularly to encourage bushy growth, and cut back the plant by a third of its height after flowering. This helps to maintain its size and shape while promoting vigorous new growth.
Propagation of Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss.
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. is a beautiful plant commonly propagated by three methods:
1. Stem cuttings
One of the easiest methods of propagating Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. is through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch long stem cuttings from the tips of the stems. Cut just below a node and remove all but the top leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or liquid and stick the cutting into a well-draining growing medium. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a spot with bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in 2-4 weeks, and new growth will emerge in a few weeks. After the roots form, repot in a slightly larger pot and treat it like a mature plant.
2. Division
Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. can also be propagated through division. Gently remove the plant from the pot and separate the roots into smaller sections. Ensure that each section has both roots and shoots. Replant each division in a separate pot with fresh potting soil, water well, and keep it in bright, indirect light. The newly divided plants will grow well if kept in a warm and humid environment for the first few days. Water the newly divided plants regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering.
3. Seed propagation
If you are interested in starting a large number of Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. plants, then seed propagation is an excellent method. Start by sowing the seeds in a tray or container filled with seed starting mix. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and cover it with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds well, and keep them in a warm, humid, and bright spot. Once the seedlings have grown enough, pot them up in a separate container, and keep them in a warm and bright location. Water the seedlings regularly and fertilize the plant after the second set of leaves appear.
With the right care and propagation, you will have a whole collection of beautiful Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss. plants to add a touch of color to your home or garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Coleus Collinus Lebrun & L.Touss.
The Coleus collinus Lebrun & L.Touss., commonly known as the Blue Plectranthus, is a herbaceous plant that is known to be quite resilient and adaptable to various growing conditions. However, like most plants, it is also susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can compromise its growth and vitality. Proper disease and pest management techniques can help mitigate the risk of infestations and ensure healthy growth and development of the Coleus collinus plant.
Common Diseases
The Coleus collinus plant is generally prone to fungal diseases that can be caused by excess moisture, poor air circulation, and lack of sunlight. The most common fungal diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose - This disease is characterized by brown and yellow spots on the leaves and can be caused by excessive watering and high humidity levels. To manage Anthracnose, it is important to ensure proper watering techniques and control humidity levels.
- Powdery Mildew - Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves and can be caused by high humidity levels and poor air circulation. To manage Powdery Mildew, it is important to prune affected leaves and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Root Rot - Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. To manage Root Rot, it is important to water the plant sparingly and ensure proper drainage in the soil.
Common Pests
In addition to fungal diseases, the Coleus collinus plant is also susceptible to pest infestations. The most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids - These small insects can be found on the underside of leaves and can cause curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to remove affected leaves and use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites - These tiny pests can cause yellow dots on leaves and produce webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to prune affected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies - These small insects can be found on the underside of leaves and can cause a sooty mold on the plant. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove affected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, proper disease and pest management techniques are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the Coleus collinus plant. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and take immediate action if any signs of disease or pest infestation are detected.
