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Coleus , with itsvibrant foliage , adds a splashing of color to any garden . However , to keep its stunner and promote healthy growth , pruning is essential . Thiscomprehensive guidewill furnish you with all the necessary cognition and technique on how to prune flame nettle efficaciously , ensuring a thriving and visually appealing plant .
Why Prune Coleus?
Pruning coleus offer numerous benefit , include :
Tools for Pruning Coleus
How to Prune Coleus
Step 1: Assess the Plant
Before pruning , carefully examine your flame nettle to define its overall wellness and outgrowth pattern . Identify any areas that postulate care , such asovergrown stems , leggy growth , or dead parting .
Step 2: Remove Dead and Diseased Leaves
Start by murder any dead , damaged , ordiseased leaves . expend clear , sharp shear toavoid tearingor bruising the plant . abridge back to the home of the leaf stem .
Step 3: Pinch Back Tips
To boost branching andbushier growth , nobble backthe tips of growing stems . expend your thumb and index togently removethe top 1 - 2 inch of the bow .
Step 4: Cut Back Overgrown Stems
If the coleus has become overgrown or tall-growing , cut backthe stems to the want length . Make uninfected , angle cutsjust above aleaf node , where new growth will emerge .
Step 5: Remove Crossing Branches
Inspect the plant life for any branch that are interbreed or rub against each other . These can cause damage andrestrict growth . move out one of the branch tocreate spaceand promote healthy airflow .
Step 6: Shape the Plant
Once you have remove anyunwanted growth , you canbegin shapingthe plant . Use your pruning shear to make the desired form , whether it ’s a rounded bush , a pyramid , or a more detailed pattern .
Step 7: Disinfect Tools
After pruning , disinfect your tools to forestall the spread of disease . Wipe them down with a solution of onepart bleachto nine parts water .
Pruning Coleus for Different Purposes
Tips for Successful Pruning
Finishing Touches
After pruning , take astep backand admire yournewly shape flame nettle . If desired , you may apply a mulct - toothed comb to mildly brush away anyloose debrisor cuttings .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How often should I prune coleus?A : Regularly throughout thegrowing time of year , as needed tomaintain sizing , shape , and encourage new increment . Q : Can Iprune coleusin winter?A : Incold climates , prune coleus backin shine before the first rime to promote quiescency . Q : How do I encourage thebrightest colorsin coleus?A : cater the plant life withample sunlightand remove any old orfaded leavesto allow new , vibrant growthto emerge .