How to Grow Coleus Fishnet Stockings

Coleus Fishnet Stockings

Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Fishnet Stockings'

flower

A striking ornamental foliage plant with delicate, intricately patterned leaves featuring burgundy or deep red veining that resembles fishnet stockings against a lime-green or chartreuse background. This cultivar of coleus is prized for its dramatic leaf patterns and compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, and indoor displays. The plant produces small lavender or purple flowers, though they are typically pinched off to encourage more vibrant foliage production.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright, indirect light for 12+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade but colors are most vibrant with 4-6 hours of indirect or dappled sunlight; avoid intense afternoon direct sun which can fade leaf colors

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers humidity; mist foliage regularly. Reduce watering in winter if grown indoors.

📏

Spacing: 8-12 inches apart for landscape planting; 6-8 inches for container groupings inches

📅

Days to maturity: 30-45 days to develop full foliage pattern and bushy form

🌱

Planting depth: Plant seedlings or cuttings at same depth as root ball; seeds should be surface-sown or just lightly pressed into soil as they require light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile potting soil or loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives year-round in zones 10-11; grows as an annual or container plant in cooler zones (can be overwintered indoors)

10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Propagation & Seedling

2-3 weeks for rooting; 3-4 weeks for transplant-ready seedlings

Tiny seedlings emerge with simple leaves; cuttings develop roots within 1-2 weeks in water or moist medium. Initial leaf pattern is less pronounced.

Maintain high humidity and warmth (70-75°F). Use sterile seed-starting mix. Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Establishment & Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Cutting-rooted plants and seedlings develop multiple leaf nodes and begin branching. Leaf patterns become more visible and intricate. Plant reaches 4-6 inches tall.

Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth. Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Foliage Development & Maturation

4-6 weeks

Full leaf pattern emerges with distinctive fishnet veining clearly visible. Plant develops dense, mounding form with 8-12 inches height and width. Leaf colors intensify.

Continue pinching to maintain compact form and maximize foliage production. Feed every 10-14 days with balanced or slightly higher nitrogen fertilizer. Maintain bright, indirect light and humidity.

Flowering

Throughout growing season if not deadheaded

Small lavender, purple, or pink flower spikes appear at branch tips. Flowers are delicate but typically secondary to the foliage display.

Pinch off flower spikes to redirect energy to foliage production and maintain leaf color vibrancy. If allowing flowers, deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

Dormancy (Indoor Winter)

3-4 months (November-February)

If overwintered indoors in cooler climates, growth slows significantly. Leaves may drop and colors fade slightly. Plant enters semi-dormant state.

Reduce watering frequency but don't allow soil to completely dry. Provide 8-10 hours of bright light daily via grow lights. Maintain temperatures above 55°F. Resume active feeding in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladium Begonia Impatiens Fuchsia Persian Shield Iresine (Bloodleaf) Dusty Miller Torenia Schizachyrium (Little Bluestem) Oxalis

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive vines that may overshadow delicate foliage Plants requiring very dry conditions Direct competitors for bright light in mixed containers (overly tall plants)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infested plants; dab individual mealybugs with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; increase air circulation; vacuum adult flies with handheld device
Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity (mites prefer dry air); spray with neem oil or miticide; isolate affected plants; prune heavily infested leaves
Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use sand or diatomaceous earth as top dressing; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; pinch off heavily infested new growth

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Foliage & Container Gardening

Household

Coleus Fishnet Stockings is an exceptional choice for indoor and outdoor container displays, hanging baskets, and mixed borders where its striking leaf patterns add visual interest. The dramatic burgundy-veined chartreuse leaves create focal points in shaded garden areas and bring vibrant color to porches, patios, and living spaces. [source]

🎨

Pressed Foliage & Botanical Art

Craft

The distinctive fishnet-patterned leaves are ideal for pressing and using in botanical art projects, scrapbooking, and decorative crafts. The intricate vein patterns remain visible when pressed and dried, creating beautiful natural patterns. [source]

🏠

Indoor Air Purification

Household

Like other coleus varieties, Fishnet Stockings helps purify indoor air by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen, making it a beneficial addition to home offices, bedrooms, and living spaces. The compact form makes it ideal for desks and shelves. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The small purple and lavender flowers produced by coleus attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators when allowed to bloom, supporting local pollinator populations. Even ornamental growers can allow occasional flowers to support garden ecology. [source]

🍳

Edible & Medicinal Coleus Leaves

Culinary

While specifically ornamental, the Fishnet Stockings variety belongs to the Coleus genus which has edible and traditionally medicinal species. Some coleus species have been used in traditional Asian medicine and culinary applications, though the Fishnet Stockings cultivar is primarily grown for ornament rather than consumption. [source]

Harvest Tips

Coleus Fishnet Stockings is grown for ornamental foliage rather than harvest in the traditional sense. Pinch or prune stem tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to maintain compact, bushy form and encourage more vibrant leaf production. Harvesting cuttings for propagation can be done year-round; take 4-6 inch stem cuttings just below a leaf node and root in water or moist medium. Remove flower spikes as they appear to maximize foliage display and color intensity.

Fun Facts

🌱 Coleus Fishnet Stockings was developed through selective breeding by horticulturists seeking vibrant, patterned foliage; the name perfectly describes the appearance of the delicate burgundy veining that resembles the mesh pattern of vintage fishnet hosiery.
🌱 Coleus can be propagated from single-leaf cuttings—a tiny leaf piece placed in moist medium can develop roots and grow into a complete plant, making it one of the easiest houseplants to propagate and share with friends.
🌱 The intensity of the fishnet pattern and leaf colors depends on light exposure; plants grown in too much shade will develop less vibrant colors and more solid green leaves, while those with ideal bright, indirect light display the most dramatic and intricate burgundy veining.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free