New Hurricane Coleus - Care Sheet

Overview

New Hurricane coleus brings fiery red-and-yellow colour and deeply cut, ruffled leaves to pots, summer borders and bright indoor spaces. It is a cultivar of Coleus scutellarioides, also sold under the older names Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides. Plants can reach roughly 60–65 cm / 24–26 in tall, depending on conditions and pruning.

This tender perennial is usually grown as a summer annual in colder climates. It is beginner-friendly when given bright light, regular moisture and protection from cold. The guidance below combines verified cultivar identity with general ornamental coleus care; start with filtered light rather than assuming this variety tolerates strong afternoon sun.

Quick Facts

Light

Indoors, choose a bright window with filtered sunlight. Outdoors, partial shade or dappled light is a sensible starting point, with gentle morning sun if the plant responds well. Increase exposure gradually. Bleached patches or scorched edges suggest excessive sun; stretched stems and weak colour suggest insufficient light. Rotate indoor pots periodically for balanced growth.

Water

Check the compost with a finger and water when its top 2–3 cm / about 1 in feels dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains away, then empty the saucer. Avoid letting the whole root ball dry out, but never leave the pot standing in water.

Outdoor containers may need daily checks in hot weather. Indoor plants generally dry more slowly. Let soil moisture guide watering rather than following a fixed calendar, and direct water onto the compost instead of repeatedly wetting the foliage.

Humidity

Moderate humidity is a useful starting point. Around 40–60% is a general houseplant target, rather than a verified requirement specific to New Hurricane. Keep the plant away from drying heat vents. If winter air is very dry, a room humidifier can help. Regular misting offers little lasting benefit; allow airflow between plants and avoid persistently wet leaves.

Temperature

A comfortable growing range is approximately 18–27°C / 65–80°F. Coleus is cold-sensitive, so avoid cold windowsills, draughts and sudden temperature changes. Bring outdoor plants into shelter before nights regularly fall below about 13–15°C / 55–59°F. Wait until frost risk has passed and soil has warmed to roughly 16°C / 60°F before planting outside.

Soil & Potting

Use a quality peat-free potting compost that holds moisture while draining freely. A loam-based container compost is suitable; add perlite if the mixture stays dense and soggy. Every pot needs drainage holes. In borders, choose humus-rich, well-drained soil and improve heavy ground with organic matter. Avoid packing compost tightly around the roots.

Feeding

Feed about monthly in spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer at the label’s recommended container rate. Apply to moist compost. Account for fertilizer already included in fresh potting mixes before adding more. Reduce or pause feeding when winter growth slows; extra fertilizer cannot compensate for poor light.

Repotting

Check established plants each spring. Roots filling the pot, emerging through drainage holes or unusually rapid drying indicate that more space may be needed. Move into a container just one size larger, refresh the compost and keep the stem at its previous planting depth. Annual potting is useful for retained houseplants, while vigorous specimens may need attention sooner.

Propagation

Stem cuttings preserve New Hurricane’s distinctive foliage more reliably than seed. Take a healthy, non-flowering shoot about 10–15 cm / 4–6 in long, cut below a leaf joint and remove the lower leaves. Place the bare joints in clean water or moist propagation compost, keeping leaves above the surface.

Provide warmth and bright indirect light. Roots often develop within two to three weeks. Transfer water-rooted cuttings into compost once roots are established, and keep them gently moist as they adjust.

Common Problems

Wilting

Check moisture before watering. Dry compost calls for a thorough drink; wet compost calls for a drainage check. Move plants suffering afternoon heat into a more sheltered position.

Yellow leaves or soft stems

Persistently wet soil can damage roots and encourage rot. Empty standing water, check drainage holes and reduce watering. Remove rotten tissue and refresh saturated compost if necessary.

Leggy growth or faded colour

Increase light gradually and pinch shoot tips just above leaf joints to encourage branching. Remove flower spikes if your priority is a compact foliage display.

Sticky leaves, insects or fine webbing

Aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and spider mites can affect coleus. Inspect leaf undersides, isolate affected indoor plants and rinse away pests. For persistent infestations, use a product labelled for the pest and plant, following its directions.

Toxicity & Pet Safety

Do not assume this plant is pet-safe. Cultivar-specific evidence is limited. Ornamental Coleus scutellarioides has reported low-severity poison characteristics, while the ASPCA’s toxic “coleus” listing identifies Indian borage, a different species. Common names cover several related plants, so that listing does not establish New Hurricane’s exact risk. Keep plants and cuttings away from pets; contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

Seasonal Care

In spring, refresh crowded pots and pinch new shoots. During summer, monitor container moisture closely and shelter plants from scorching sun. Before autumn cold arrives, bring plants indoors or take cuttings. Inspect for pests first. In winter, provide the brightest suitable position, water less as growth slows and pause feeding until active growth returns.

Quick Tips

• Start with bright filtered light or partial shade.
• Check compost moisture before reaching for the watering can.
• Empty saucers after watering.
• Pinch shoot tips for a fuller plant.
• Remove flower spikes to prioritise foliage.
• Protect plants from cold nights and frost.
• Keep foliage and propagation water away from pets.