Coleus plants are valued for their colorful foliage and are related to the mint family. Native to tropical areas, they were introduced to Europe in the mid-1800s and have become a popular garden plant worldwide. While often grown for their vibrant leaves, coleus can be grown from seed or cuttings and are sometimes used for their purported pest-repelling qualities and potential to purify air.
Interesting facts about coleus:
Part of the mint family: Coleus has square stems and is related to plants like basil and mint.
A globe-trotting plant: Originally from tropical Southeast Asia, Africa, India, and Australia, it was introduced to Europe in the 1800s and is now grown globally.
Cultivated for color: Coleus was first cultivated for its colorful leaves in Europe, becoming popular in Victorian gardens.
Flower spikes are often removed: While they do have small, usually lavender or white flowers, the flower spikes are frequently pinched off to encourage more colorful foliage.
Can be grown from seed or cuttings: You can easily grow new plants from seeds or by taking cuttings from existing plants.
Potential air purifier: Some varieties are said to help purify indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde.