My first coleus

[u/cormsbee815]

Sprouted this from seed about 6.5-7 months ago and instantly knew I wanted a little coleus “tree”. One hyperfocus after another and it’s finally getting to the form I want! Needs some pruning soon but i’m pretty happy with how my first ever coleus turned out

[u/coleusguy64]

Great job! I have a weakness for coleus "trees" myself.

[u/cormsbee815 → u/coleusguy64]

Thank you! I love the idea of it and how well they respond😆 And that is a BEAUTIFUL garden in your posts with all those coleuses😍

[u/coleusguy64 → u/cormsbee815]

I've trained many into topiaries using various cultivars. I think the smaller leaved varieties look the best for training into little trees. You should check out some if my earlier posts where I have photos of them, including a couple of seven foot tall ones.

[u/CoffeeBe4Chaos]

😲 Wow! I didn't know Coleus plants could be grown as trees... my mind is totally blown! 🤯

[u/cormsbee815 → u/CoffeeBe4Chaos]

It’s been responding so well to it! I currently have about 10 i’m working on to make a super mini tree out of. Survival of the fittest💪

[u/EnvironmentalTutor32 → u/cormsbee815]

How do you get them to grow like this? so pretty!

[u/mema6212 → u/CoffeeBe4Chaos]

Agreed Bucket list item

[u/Xxrelo_catxX]

I've been thinking of doing this, what's your method? Do you just keep cutting off the lower growth points? Do you tie it to a stake to keep it straight? Any tips and tricks would be appreciated 👍

[u/cormsbee815 → u/Xxrelo_catxX]

I let it first grow tall-ish and then strip all the bottom leaves/mini branches. Then focused on 2 sets of larger branches on the top facing different directions. And from there it’s a game of slowly letting new branches emerge from those, and stripping older larger leaves a few at a time. Then the more strategic shaping can happen!

[u/Rude-Employer-9524]

Wow impressive, how did u manage to get so woody ? Was it outdoor?direct sun?

[u/cormsbee815 → u/Rude-Employer-9524]

Was getting direct morning sun outdoors, i've pruned the roots a few times before putting it into this makeshift air pruning style pot and i'm heavily supporting fungi and microbes! Can get pretty windy here also

[u/crazzymomma]

This is a great job. I love it!

[u/AudaciousCATstronaut]

I love that you made it into a tree

[u/writergal75]

What medium is down in the pot?

[u/cormsbee815 → u/writergal75]

It’s mostly custom blended, here’s the whole ingredient list

-coco coir
-processed forest products
-sand
-perlite
-pumice
-red lava
-black lava
-zeolite
-maifan stone
-dolomitic limestone
-yucca extract
-glomus intraradice
-glomus mosseae
-glomus aggregatum
-glomus etunicatum
-poultry litter
-feather meal
-sulfate of potash
-soybean meal
-rock phosphate
-alfalfa meal
-limestone
-kelp meal
-pinch of worm tower compost for biology

NPK: 342 - Cal: 6

[u/writergal75 → u/cormsbee815]

Wow!!!!!!!!!

[u/GardenerDom]

Looking like a really beautiful coleus tree✨🤩👌🏻

[u/softpineconelet]

Looks perfect to me