Pineapple Coleus - Care Sheet
Overview
Pineapple Coleus is a stunning variety of coleus celebrated for its vibrant, pineapple-like foliage in shades of bright green, yellow, and chartreuse with ruffled edges. This tender perennial, often grown as an annual in cooler climates, brings tropical flair to gardens, borders, containers, or indoor spaces with its fast-growing, bushy habit and eye-catching leaves that thrive in warm weather.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Pineapple' (or Plectranthus scutellarioides) |
|---|---|
| Common name | Pineapple Coleus |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet-safe? | Unknown – Coleus can cause mild irritation if ingested; keep away from pets and children |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun (morning sun ideal; some varieties tolerate full sun) |
| Water | Evenly moist; water when top 2.5cm (1in) is dry |
| Humidity | Average to high (40-60%; mist indoors if needed) |
| Temperature | 15-38°C (60-100°F); protect below 10°C (50°F) |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining; pH 6.0-7.0 |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid every 2-4 weeks (spring-summer) |
| Repotting | Annually or when rootbound (spring) |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings or seeds |
Light
Give Pineapple Coleus partial shade to full sun for the best foliage color. It shines in morning sun with afternoon shade, preventing leaf scorch in hot climates. Newer varieties handle full sun well, but watch for fading colors in intense light. Indoors, place near a bright window with indirect light or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily. Leggy growth means more light is needed.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy to avoid root rot. Water when the top 2.5cm (1in) feels dry—more often in heat or containers. Use room-temperature water and ensure pots have drainage holes. Reduce watering in cooler months. Wilting signals thirst; yellow leaves suggest overwatering.
Humidity
Pineapple Coleus prefers average to high humidity (40-60%), mimicking its tropical origins. Outdoors, it's fine in typical garden air, but indoors, mist leaves weekly or set pots on pebble trays with water. Group with other plants to boost local humidity. Dry air causes crispy edges.
Temperature
Maintain 15-38°C (60-100°F) for optimal growth; ideal is 21-29°C (70-85°F). Protect from frost—bring indoors before nights drop below 10°C (50°F). It's tender, so wait until soil warms to 16°C (60°F) for outdoor planting. Sudden cold causes leaf drop.
Soil & Potting
Use rich, well-draining soil like loam mixed with compost, perlite, or peat moss (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend garden beds with organic matter for moisture retention without waterlogging. For pots, choose quality potting mix. Poor drainage leads to rot, so always ensure free-flowing water.
Feeding
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer with balanced liquid (NPK 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at half strength) or slow-release granules at planting. Skip heavy feeding in nutrient-rich soil. Indoors, use high-nitrogen for lush leaves. Overfeeding burns edges; underfeeding dulls colors.
Repotting
Repot annually in spring into a pot 5cm (2in) larger, refreshing soil to prevent rootbound stress. Trim roots if circling. Houseplants may need it yearly; garden plants divide or propagate instead. Always use fresh, well-draining mix.
Propagation
Easily propagate via stem cuttings in summer: snip 10cm (4in) tips, remove lower leaves, root in water or moist soil at 20-25°C (68-77°F) for 7-21 days. Sow seeds surface-sown on compost year-round indoors (germination 7-21 days). Pinch tips for bushiness. Cultivars may not come true from seed.
Common Problems
Leggy Growth
Caused by low light; move to brighter spot and pinch tips to encourage bushiness.
Leaf Scorch or Fading
Too much direct sun; provide afternoon shade or filtered light.
Root Rot
From overwatering or poor drainage; let soil dry slightly between waters and repot in fresh mix.
Pests (Aphids, Mealybugs, Whitefly)
Inspect undersides; hose off or treat with neem oil weekly until gone.
Downy or Powdery Mildew
Improve air flow, avoid wet leaves; apply neem oil or remove affected parts.
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Coleus is generally low-toxicity but can cause mild oral irritation, vomiting, or skin rash if ingested or handled excessively. Not recommended for homes with curious pets or toddlers—err on the side of caution and place out of reach.
Seasonal Care
Spring: Start seeds or cuttings indoors; plant out after frost (soil >16°C/60°F). Pinch for bushiness.
Summer: Water and feed regularly; deadhead flowers to focus on leaves.
Fall: Take cuttings before frost; bring pots indoors.
Winter: Reduce water/fertilizer; provide bright light indoors at 15°C+ (60°F+).
Quick Tips
- Pinch growing tips early for a fuller, bushier plant.
- Remove flower spikes to keep energy in vibrant foliage.
- Space 30cm (12in) apart in beds for air flow.
- Harden off indoor plants gradually before outdoor planting.
- Combine with impatiens or lantana for colorful combos.
- Check soil moisture with your finger before watering.
- Overwinter cuttings for free new plants next year.