The Coleus 'Spacecake' belongs to the Stained Glassworks cultivar series, known for their spectacular foliage marked by striking contrasts and intense colours reminiscent of stained glass. Like all Coleus, this variety is part of the Lamiaceae botanical family. Its leaves are triangular, slightly dentate at the edges, and measure between 6 and 8 cm in length. They have a velvety texture and are adorned with very pronounced bright to dark red veins, forming a complex network against a luminous aniseed-green background. This contrast will draw the eye in any plant combination. The upright stems gracefully support the plant, giving it a rounded habit.
The Coleus 'Spacecake' is a herbaceous perennial often grown as an annual outdoors due to its sensitivity to cold. Indoors, it reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm with a spread of about 20 to 30 cm depending on growing conditions. Its growth rate is very rapid. Although the plant can produce small bluish tubular flowers grouped in terminal inflorescences, these are usually removed to encourage even denser and more spectacular foliage. The name 'Spacecake' refers to the psychedelic and boldly colourful appearance of its leaves, reminiscent of the explosive visual impression of some modern artwork.
The Coleus 'Spacecake' belongs to the Plectranthus genus, a family of plants native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly Java, Indonesia. In its natural habitat, the Plectranthus scutellarioides species, also known by the synonyms Solenostemon scutellarioides and Coleus blumei, grows in shaded, humid undergrowth where it benefits from dappled light and organic-rich soil.
Indoors, the Coleus requires plenty of light to preserve the brilliance of its colours, while avoiding direct sunlight that could scorch the foliage. Also avoid overly dry ambient air. Well-drained, slightly moist kept compost is essential. Lastly, the ideal temperature for the Coleus range is between 18 and 24 °C.
The Coleus 'Spacecake' makes a striking addition to the living room, a well-lit hallway, or a bright office. With its compact size and spectacular foliage, it stands out on a shelf, console table, or as a centrepiece, in a ceramic or terracotta pot. To highlight its colours, pair it with plants featuring plain green foliage or neutral-toned cache pots. You can also mix it with the Caladium 'White Queen' and the Coleus 'Skyfire', with its flamboyant orange hues.
