New Hurricane Coleus - Care Sheet

Overview

New Hurricane Coleus is a striking foliage plant celebrated for its fiery red-and-yellow leaves with intricately cut edges. A mid-sized cultivar reaching about 60–75 cm (24–30 in) tall and wide, it shines in containers, mixed borders, and as a vivid filler that looks anything but ordinary. Coleus are tender tropicals typically grown as annuals in most climates, but they can be overwintered indoors where temperatures dip below their comfort zone. With warm conditions, steady moisture, and the right balance of sun and shade, this plant rewards you with bold, season-long color. Regular pinching keeps it bushy and emphasizes the foliage by diverting energy from flowering.

Quick Facts

Light

Outdoors, New Hurricane Coleus thrives in full sun to part shade. Its leaf colors are most vivid with good light, though half-day sun produces slightly softer, still-appealing tones. Plants grown in too much shade tend to become leggy, while those in intense, all-day sun can wilt—especially in hot, dry conditions. Indoors, place in bright, indirect light with a few hours of gentle morning sun if possible. Rotate the pot weekly for even growth.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 cm (½–¾ in) of mix feels dry. In hot or windy weather outdoors, you may need to water more often—coleus appreciates generous watering during dry spells. Always ensure excess water drains freely; empty saucers to prevent root rot.

Humidity

Average indoor humidity is typically adequate. Moderate humidity helps keep foliage lush and can deter spider mites. In very dry homes, group plants together or use a pebble tray to gently raise humidity without wetting the leaves.

Temperature

This is a frost-tender tropical. Ideal temperatures are 18–29°C (65–85°F). Avoid cold drafts and do not place the plant outdoors until night temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F). It is generally hardy only in USDA Zone 11; elsewhere, treat as a warm-season annual or overwinter indoors in bright conditions.

Soil & Potting

Use a rich, well-drained potting mix that retains moisture without becoming soggy. A peat or coir-based mix with added perlite works well. Choose containers with drainage holes, and consider a slightly snug pot to help prevent overwatering. Mulch outdoor plantings lightly to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows, especially if overwintering indoors. Avoid heavy, high-nitrogen doses that can promote weak, leggy growth at the expense of leaf color.

Repotting

Repot in spring if roots circle the pot or water runs straight through. Refreshing the top third of the mix can perk up container plants midseason. Many gardeners grow coleus as annuals and simply replant each spring; if you’re overwintering, repot or refresh the soil at the start of the growing season.

Propagation

Pinch regularly to encourage bushiness—and use those trimmings as cuttings. Softwood stem cuttings root quickly in water or directly in moist potting mix. Keep warm and bright, and you’ll have ready-to-plant starts within a few weeks. From seed, surface-sow in early spring at 22–24°C (72–75°F); do not cover the seed, and provide gentle light for germination.

Common Problems

Leggy, floppy growth

Cause: Insufficient light or lack of pinching. Fix: Move to brighter light and pinch shoot tips regularly to promote branching.

Wilting or leaf scorch

Cause: Too much direct midday sun or drought stress. Fix: Provide part shade during the hottest hours and water thoroughly; add mulch outdoors.

Root rot and yellowing leaves

Cause: Waterlogged soil or poor drainage. Fix: Use a well-drained mix and pots with drainage holes; let the top layer of soil dry slightly between waterings.

Pests indoors (aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies)

Cause: Dry indoor air and crowded plants. Fix: Isolate, then treat with gentle showers, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil; improve air circulation and maintain moderate humidity.

Toxicity & Pet Safety

Pet safety is uncertain for this cultivar. Some coleus species are reported to be unsafe for cats and dogs. As a precaution, keep New Hurricane Coleus out of reach of pets and children, and avoid ingestion. If exposure occurs, consult a veterinarian or medical professional.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Start or move plants outdoors only after nights stay above 10°C (50°F). Pinch young plants to encourage bushiness. Begin regular feeding.

Summer: Provide full sun to part shade, water freely in dry spells, and remove flower spikes to keep the focus on foliage. Monitor for pests.

Autumn: Before frost, take cuttings to carry plants through winter. Move container plants indoors to a bright spot and reduce feeding.

Winter (indoors): Keep warm and bright, water sparingly but don’t allow complete dry-out. Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Quick Tips

• Give bright light; too little causes legginess, too much midday sun can wilt leaves.
• Keep soil evenly moist and never let pots sit in water.
• Pinch often to maintain a full, bushy shape and remove flower spikes.
• Wait to plant out until nights exceed 10°C (50°F); coleus is frost-tender.
• Feed lightly but regularly during active growth for best color.
• Overwinter indoors in a warm, bright location or restart from easy cuttings.
• When in doubt about pet safety, keep out of reach and avoid ingestion.