Coleus scutellarioides River Walk - Painted nettle

With its cultivar name 'Duecolrivwa' River Walk, the Coleus MS River Walk is part of the Main Street series known for its visually striking varieties and robust growth. Recently renamed Plectranthus, Coleus is a popular houseplant prized for its textured and colourful foliage. The River Walk develops serrated leaves in a rather dark green heavily veined with chartreuse yellow-green. The overall tone of the plant is a vivid, lime green. Vigorous in growth, it has an upright, bushy habit with a neat appearance.

The name 'Coleus' has an abundance of botanical synonyms: Coleus blumei, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Coleus hybridus, Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii, Solenostemon scutellarioides, Coleus saundersiae, Ocimum scutellarioides, Coleus verschaffeltii, Coleus pumilus. Its common names include Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, and Poor Man’s Croton. The Coleus range belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This genus comprises around sixty species of tender perennial shrubs native to tropical Asia and Africa. Horticulture has given rise to numerous hybrids and cultivars, many of which are descendants of Solenostemon scutellarioides.

The Coleus MS River Walk forms an upright, dense, and rounded clump reaching approximately 40 cm in all directions. Its sturdy, branched stems bear medium-sized leaves with finely serrated edges. The slightly villous lamina varies in colour. It may occasionally produce discreet flowers but it is primarily grown for its foliage. It is often recommended to remove these flowers to prevent the plant from exhausting itself.

Indoors, the Plectranthus prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light levels but this may result in less vibrant foliage colours. Moderate to high ambient humidity is ideal, with temperatures between 18 and 24°C. It is essential to protect the plant from draughts and temperatures below 15°C. Regular but moderate watering is recommended, allowing the top few centimetres of the substrate to dry out between waterings.

Coleus, sometimes nicknamed 'Painted Nettles' due to their incredibly diverse foliage, are irreplaceable for adding a striking exotic touch to any décor. The 'River Walk' captivates with its vividly coloured, dynamic leaves. It stands out beautifully among a collection of green-leaved plants with more subdued foliage, where it catches the light on a stylish piece of furniture in a neutral pot. Its compact, bushy habit also makes it an excellent choice for consoles or coffee tables. If necessary, place a humidifier nearby or mist its leaves regularly. Pair it with plants from the Araceae family such as Alocasias or philodendrons which thrive under similar conditions.