It is usually best to pinch off the flower spikes as soon as they appear. Allowing coleus to bloom signals to the plant that its growing cycle is coming to an end, which can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colors, drop off, or turn leggy. Pinching the flower buds encourages the plant to direct its energy into producing dense, colorful foliage.

Yes! Coleus is extremely sensitive to frost and cold weather, but you can easily bring potted plants indoors before the first autumn frost. Place them in a brightly lit location near a sunny window and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. You can also easily take stem cuttings in late summer, root them in water, and pot them up to keep indoors all winter.

Color loss is typically related to light exposure. While coleus needs adequate light to maintain rich pigments, direct afternoon sun can bleach or scorch the foliage of shade-loving varieties. Conversely, placing the plant in total shade may cause the leaves to turn dull or predominantly green. Dappled sunlight or gentle morning light with afternoon shade usually produces the richest color palette.

Yes, coleus contains essential oils and compounds that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. Side effects can include upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have curious pets, keep indoor potted coleus plants out of their reach or plant them in raised outdoor beds where pets cannot chew on them.