Overwintering coleus is easy, and it’s a great way to save your favorite varieties year after year.
In this post, I’ll show you how to keep the plants alive indoors over the winter, and give you tons of care tips too.
Coleus is one of the most colorful plants for the garden or summer containers, and they add a wonderful tropical feel. They come in all kinds of color combinations too.
One of the things I love the most is that they can survive inside over the winter. So you can save that beautiful foliage for years to come!
Another benefit of overwintering coleus is that you can keep your favorite varieties without spending a dime new plants in spring.
It might sound like a lot of work, but don’t worry. Overwintering coleus indoors is pretty easy, and I will show you exactly how to do it.
Coleus Cold Tolerance
Even though they’re usually sold as annuals in most areas, they’re actually tender perennials that can survive for many years in the right climate.
Coleus temperature tolerance isn’t very high, and they can’t handle the cold. They’re only hardy in zones 10 or warmer, and will start to suffer when it is consistently below 60°F (15.5°C).
Though they can handle brief periods of freezing temps, they will quickly start to die after the first touches of frost in the fall.
Related Post: How To Overwinter Plants: The Complete Guide
Methods For Overwintering Coleus
There are two ways you can overwinter coleus indoors. You can use these same methods for any variety you have…
- Potted coleus plants can be brought inside and kept as a houseplant.
- You can take cuttings, and bring those indoors for the winter.
How To Overwinter Coleus Indoors
Below I will describe both of these methods in detail. If you’ve never tried overwintering coleus before, experiment with both to see which one works best for you.
1. Keeping Coleus As A Houseplant
If your coleus is in a pot, you can overwinter it as a houseplant by bringing the whole container inside the house.
Trim it back to a more manageable size before moving it indoors if it’s too big for your space. If you do, be sure to keep the cuttings so you can try the second method too.
Keep in mind that it is used to being outside all summer. So the plant may droop or even drop a few leaves after bringing it indoors. That’s completely normal, and it should pop back in a few days.
2. Overwintering Coleus Cuttings Indoors
As an alternative to bringing the whole plant indoors, you can take cuttings. This is a great option if you have limited space, or yours is planted in the garden rather than a pot.
They root easily in water, and can be kept there, or you can pot them up using a general purpose soil.
If you want to try leaving them in water, check on it periodically, and refresh it if it’s cloudy or as it evaporates. Never let it get below the roots, or they could dry out.
Stinky or mucky water is a sign of rot, so check if the stems are mushy. If you’re struggling with keeping them in water, then it’s best to put them in potting soil instead.
Learn exactly how to propagate coleus plants here, in my step by step guide.
Bringing Coleus Indoors For The Winter
No matter which method you want to use for overwintering coleus, it’s very important that you bring them indoors at the right time. If it gets too cold, they likely won’t survive, so follow the tips below.
When To Bring Coleus Plants Inside
The foliage declines very quickly when the weather gets chilly in the fall. So if you want to keep your coleus through winter, then bring it indoors before the temperature gets below 60°F (15.5°C) outside.
If you forget, and it’s in the high 50s°F, you might still be able to save it if the foliage is in good shape. But you’ll definitely need to move it in before frost damages the plant.
Once they start to die back from the cold, it’s difficult to revive them.
How To Bring Coleus In For Winter
However you decide to try overwintering coleus, it’s important to debug the plants before bringing them indoors.
You can debug cuttings using the same method, or you can do it on a smaller scale inside. Simply soak them in the sink for about 10 minutes to drown any insects.
Add a squirt of mild liquid soap to the water to help kill the bugs faster. Then rinse the leaves, and place the cuttings into a vase of water to root them.
Once you have them inside, put them in a sunny window where you can leave them until spring.
Tips For Coleus Plant Care In Winter
Coleus care indoors in winter is a bit different than it is outdoors during the summer. They are pretty easy to grow indoors, but do require a bit of extra care to get them through the winter.
The three things you’ll have to worry about the most are lighting, water, and bugs. Here are some winter care tips to help you out…
Light Requirements
Though they prefer the shade outside, coleus plants will grow their best indoors with lots of light. Place the pot in a sunny window where it will get plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.
If you don’t have much natural light in your home, then you can add a grow light to keep them from getting leggy and reaching for the window.
Plug it into an outlet timer to give it plenty of light, even when you’re not home.
Watering In Winter
Proper watering is one of the biggest challenges that people have. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist through the winter, and never dry or soggy.
The way to achieve this is to allow the soil to dry out a bit on top before watering it again. To avoid overwatering, always check it first.
Stick your finger one inch into the soil to make sure it’s not wet. If feels dry, then water it. You can get an inexpensive soil moisture gauge to help you get it perfect every time.
Controlling Bugs
One of the biggest challenges of overwintering coleus indoors is controlling houseplant pests. If you find bugs, you should act fast to get rid of them.
Wash the leaves with a mix of 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. If you don’t want to make your own, you can buy organic insecticidal soap instead.
You could also try using neem oil as a longer term solution to kill the bugs, and prevent future infestations.
Related Post: How To Care For Coleus Plants – Complete Guide
Moving Coleus Plants Back Outside In Spring
When spring arrives, you’ll be excited that your coleus made it through the winter indoors, and ready to move it back outside.
But don’t get too anxious. It’s very important to do it at the right time, and take the proper steps to ensure it will survive the transition.
When To Move Coleus Back Outside
Wait to move your coleus back outside until all chance of frost is gone, and the nighttime temps are consistently above 60°F.
This is usually a couple of weeks after your average last frost date in the spring. But always keep an eye on the forecast to make sure it’s safe.
If frost is predicted, then move it inside or into the garage to protect it. Don’t try covering it, because it may not be strong enough to survive.
How To Move Coleus Back Outside
After being indoors all winter, it can take some time for coleus to adjust to life outside again. They aren’t used to wind and intense light yet.
So, when you move it back outside, place it in a well protected shady area. After a few weeks, you can slowly start moving it closer to the designated spot each day.
FAQs About Overwintering Coleus
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how to overwinter coleus. If you can’t find yours here, then ask it in the comments below.
How cold is too cold for coleus?
The lowest temperature coleus can tolerate is 33°F (5.5°C), but only for very brief periods of time. And that is really too cold for them. Though they can handle a light frost, if it dips below freezing for long, they will die. They prefer temps above 60°F – the hotter the better.
Does coleus come back after winter each year?
Coleus does come back after winter each year if you live in a warm enough climate (zones 10+) where it stays above freezing. However it will not survive outside in colder areas.
Can coleus survive winter outdoors?
Coleus can survive the winter outdoors in zones 10 and higher. Some people may even be lucky enough to see them survive in warm microclimates of zone 9b, if you really want to push their zone.
Can coleus survive indoors in winter?
Yes, coleus can survive indoors in winter, and they make lovely houseplants. Place your plant in a warm location where it will get bright, indirect sunlight, and keep the soil evenly moist.
Can coleus survive winter in a garage?
Coleus plants can survive winter in a garage as long as it stays above freezing. But I would recommend keeping it above 40°F (4.5°C) for the best results. At these cooler temperatures, the plant will go into a dormant state, so take care not to overwater through the winter.
Can you overwinter potted coleus?
Yes, you can overwinter potted coleus plants indoors fairly easily. Keep it near a sunny window where it will get bright or filtered light, and never let the soil dry completely.
Overwintering coleus indoors takes a bit of work, but it’s worth the effort to keep your favorite varieties year after year.
Now that you see how easy it is to bring them indoors as cuttings or houseplants, you won’t have to pay for new ones next spring.
If you want to learn all there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, then you need my Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving. Download your copy now!
More Posts About Overwintering Plants
- How To Overwinter Sweet Potato Vines Indoors
- How To Overwinter Tropical Hibiscus Plants Indoors
- How To Overwinter Pepper Plants Indoors
- How To Overwinter Brugmansia Plants Indoors
- Winter Care Of Caladium Bulbs
Share your tips for overwintering coleus plants or cuttings in the comments below.
Jenny Harris says
I was given a beautiful red Coleus this year, which I left in it’s original plastic container, put inside a bigger china one.
I meant to transplant it into the bigger china one, but the year has passed so quickly, and I have been very busy as we only moved in a year ago, from a bigger house to a much smaller one with only a patio. (North facing)!
It has been beautiful all summer, getting a bit of sun at the end of the afternoon, until a week or two ago, and it has started shedding quite a number of leaves. Should I plant it into the bigger pot, and then bring it indoors for the winter, or put in my front porch, which is open but sheltered and gets sun every day if there is any!
I live in South East England.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the temperature is getting colder outside, that’s likely why your coleus is dropping leaves. I would bring it indoors and find a good spot to keep it for the winter. Once it adjusts to its new indoor location, it should recover. I recommend waiting until spring to repot it, unless it’s completely root-bound and no longer retaining any moisture. Repotting already-stressed plants can send them into shock, which is difficult for them to recover from. Good luck!
Alan says
I’ve had great success in over wintering my collection of coleus varieties. This is the 2nd time I’ve taken cuttings in the fall to grow lots of clones.
After cutting I soak them in water until long roots appear. Then move them into small prepared pots.
Place these in a sunny window and water after the soil drys out. I top them occasionally to keep them from getting leggy.
I’m in the DC area and temps at night are staying above 50. So I’m thinking of moving them outside in a few days and let them take off.
I can take pics and send them if there’s a place to post.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wonderful, thanks so much for sharing your success story and your tips. You can post photos on my Facebook page if you’d like.
Regina Ann Hartley says
I understand the process of taking cuttings in September, rooting them in water and then placing them in another pot so that you can keep it inside your house over the winter. However when spring comes around, won’t you need to replant several cuttings in one pot to fill up an entire outdoor pot?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the coleus you overwintered is healthy and large enough, then yes, you could root more cuttings to help fill you pots.
Laurie GilbertDowd says
Hi ! I bought 3/6pks of coleus and they were barely 4 inches tall when I planted them out side. They thrived to now being 3ft wide and almost 2ft tall. Absolutely beautiful ! So you’re saying take some cuttings for the winter and let the rest of the plant die. Isn’t there a blanket or some kind of shelter I could build with some extra mulch around them. They are in several different places throughout my 6 acres and I don’t want to lose them . Last year an unexpected 2 day freeze killed them, I was devestated and couldn’t wait for spring to get new ones. Again these new ones have thrived. I live in the mountains north east of Bakersfield California , I took my potted coleus with me when evacuated due to a wild fire. What can I do to keep them warm, should we get a freeze this winter, again I’m in calif. if we get snow it’s just for a couple days, these coleus’ are so big and beautiful, how can I save them for one or three nights of cold. Thank you , love all the tips and tricks. P.s. the deer eat my roses down to nothing , they don’t touch the coleus. I’m truely surprised at how big they have grown. Again thank you for any suggestions.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, if you don’t want to bring your large coleus plants indoors, you can take cuttings to overwinter instead, and let the rest of the plant die outside. You could certainly try protecting your plants during cold snaps through the winter, and they may survive outside in the ground. However, coleus is very sensitive to the cold. So if it gets below freezing for an extended period, they may not survive even if you cover them. Unfortunately, they won’t grow back if they die down to the ground. But it’s certainly worth trying to save them if your winters are very mild. Otherwise, if they are in pots, you can simply move them into a shed or garage that stays above freezing during the short cold spells. Good luck!
Erna says
I overwinterized two plants successfully but when I planted them outside, they drooped and turned funky darker rotting color and didn’t survive the change. What should I have done differently?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like your coleus died from transplant shock. This is a common problem for plants that have been overwintered indoors. They need to be hardened in order to get used to living back outside again before you plant them into the garden. Next time, slowly transition them so they can get used to living outside again. Once all chance of frost is gone in the spring, and the temps are consistency above 50F, move the pot to a shady, protected location outdoors. Then slowly move them to their normal spot over the next several days. Once they’re used to being outside again, you should be able to successfully plant them into the garden.
Cheryl Deuel says
i am overwintering coleus for the 1st time, cuttings and the mother plant. do i fertilize them thru the winter?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Woohoo, how fun! No, do not fertilize your coleus plant during the winter. They go into a state of dormancy, and fertilizing them during that time can cause weak and leggy growth. Start feeding them with a weak dose of liquid fertilizer in early spring to help wake them up, and slowly bump it up so it’s full strength by the time you move them back outdoors.
Susan says
I heard that if your Coleus starts to grow that purple stem flower on the top that you’re suppose to pluck it off….is that true??
Amy Andrychowicz says
Pinching off the coleus flowers will help to keep the plant bushier and fuller looking. But leaving them on won’t hurt the plant. However, if you are trying to overwinter the cuttings, then definitely cut off the flowers. Otherwise, they may not root.
John Connell says
Hi Amy, I was given two Coleus plants as a present this summer and planted them in my front garden that is south east facing. They have grown into beautiful eye catching beautiful plants. I was delighted to read your advise on how to care form them of the winter and will follow your recommendations to the letter. Hopefully I’ll will get some cuttings that I can plant out in spring 2021? I’ll keep you up dated on their progress.
Kind regards,
Sèan O’Connell
Dublin Ireland.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sounds beautiful! I hope you have great success overwintering your coleus plants, good luck.
Deb says
Amy, are coleus safe to have around house cats? Just wondering if I need to keep the plants away from curious cats in case the plants are poisonous. I love the variety of coleus colors and textures, and overwintering would cut down on purchasing new plants every year. Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
According to the ASPCA website, coleus plants are toxic to cats. So, if you have a plant eater in your house, then yes, I would put your coleus in a room where your kitty can’t reach it. I have a spare bedroom where I overwinter all my plants that aren’t pet friendly. 🙂
Susan says
I keep finding leaves that have been picked up or pulled off from my kitten down in the bedroom on the bed or in the bathroom on the floor, but I don’t think he’s actually eating them.
Toni Johnson says
Hi Amy,
Could you just pull up the whole plant and replant in a pot to take indoors? I have a few in my yard right now that I would love to try and save through the Winter.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you certainly could try digging up your coleus plant and potting it up to bring indoors for winter. But the plant will definitely go into shock from being transplanted and then brought indoors. It will probably droop for a few days, but should pop back once it gets used to its new environment. They’re pretty tough plants. Good luck!
TONI JOHNSON says
Thanks, I will try it and see how it goes. First frost is right around the corner…nothing like waiting until the last minute (rolling eyes) 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, I’m right there with you!
Stasher says
Yo. I’ve overwintered them before, and I would definitely say that one needs to wait for a good mass of roots before putting in soil. I haven’t had any problems with pests, but with a rot that destroyed the plant from the ground up. I’ll try overwintering coleus in just water this year and see what happens.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, thanks for sharing your experience with growing your coleus. They can be a bit finicky sometimes for sure.
Frankie says
Hi, Stasher — I had the same problem with coleus I was propagating from cuttings. They were rooted in water and the potted-up. The roots seem to rot but also the stem right at ground level rotted as well. I determined that it was a fungal rot call Rhizoctonia. I work in a research facility so we are treating them with 3 different fungicidal treatments. The study isn’t complete but I think pre-treating the cuttings with a fungicide would have been the best solution.
Mike the Gardener says
Great article! Coleus is definitely not an area of my expertise. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Anna says
Hey Amy! I haven’t been by in a while, was a fun growing season in Minnesota this year! Many of the bulbs and tubers you sent me from that contest I won a couple years ago did fabulous this year.
Love this post- taking cuttings and rooting them is an essential gardening task for those of us way up north. It adds color to our houses since for 4 months of the year everything is so WHITE, and it saves trouble in the early spring with seed starting. I know for me, the more space I can save on the seedling heat mats (which I use a lot!) the better. Coleus is one awesome plant to take cuttings from and save. Hypoestes and impatiens always come inside as cuttings here. I also like to grab up cuttings of peppers, and cherry tomatoes as I have good luck getting them to continue fruiting over the winter. This year I tried growing sweet potatoes, and I decided to try cutting up the vines and rooting those- which are working really well!
I have lots of bulbs for forcing this winter. I’ll be referring to your post on that when the time comes! Thanks again Amy!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh that’s great to hear Anna, thanks for the followup on the bulbs – how fun! Sounds like you are one busy lady when it comes to overwintering plants!
Wow, you’ve been able to root cuttings from your peppers and tomatoes – and they also produce fruit during the winter? Interesting. Good luck with of all your winter growing, sounds like you’ll be busy! 🙂