Since I had such good luck with propagating Coleus from cuttings this spring, I have decided to give it a whirl this winter. My hope would be to keep a few plants indoors that could either be set out or have cuttings taken from them in early spring. The frost burned plants were looking a little rough but I was able to find enough side shoots at the base to take for cuttings.
I mixed up 50/50 compost and fine vermiculite and watered it well with a watering can. The vermiculite will stay moist, and the compost will give them some nutrients. I removed the lower leaves, and dipped the stem in rooting hormone. Them I made a hole in the cell, inserted the stem, and firmed the mix down around them to make good contact with the stem. I placed the cells in a solid tray so I can bottom water them. I set them in the shade for the afternoon and today I am putting them in under a LED grow light. This spring I had no trouble with them wilting, but if that were to happen, I may need to put a moisture dome over them.
I took 24 cuttings. In about a month I will see if they are rooting, and if so, I will transplant them into larger cells with potting mix. Yes, there is a cost to overwintering plants, but 24 El Brighto Coleus would cost at least $120 in a nursery or $240 mail order. Hopefully some of these plants will look good in the spring, or at least provide more cuttings.
I’ve kept coleus inside many winters with great results! They root quickly in water, and then I just stick them in a pot of regular potting soil. Good luck with yours! - Rigmor, in the mid-Hudson valley, NY
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