How to Grow Coleus Kiwi Fern
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Coleus Kiwi Fern
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Kiwi Fern'
flowerColeus Kiwi Fern is a striking foliage plant prized for its delicate, deeply lobed leaves in shades of green, cream, and burgundy that resemble fern fronds. Unlike traditional coleus varieties, it features an airy, open growth habit and softer leaf texture. The compact plant works beautifully in containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds.
When should you plant Coleus Kiwi Fern in your zone?
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Example Coleus Kiwi Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coleus Kiwi Fern
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Coleus Kiwi Fern blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus Kiwi Fern dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or tender perennial in cooler zones (can be overwintered indoors)
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Get my Coleus Kiwi Fern timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge with soft, delicate foliage. Very tender and vulnerable.
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil warm (70-75°F). Avoid direct sun.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasing leaf size and number. Fern-like lobed leaves become more pronounced. Plant fills out in width.
Pinch growing tips regularly to promote bushier, fuller growth. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Mature Foliage
2-4 monthsPlant reaches full ornamental size with dense, airy foliage showing vibrant color patterns (green, cream, burgundy mix). Leaf texture fully developed.
Continue pinching to maintain shape if desired. Remove any leggy stems. Monitor for pests. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering (Optional)
Summer monthsSmall lavender or purple flowers appear on spikes. Flowers are secondary to foliage appeal and may be removed.
Pinch off flower spikes to redirect energy to leaf development, or allow them for added texture. Flowers attract pollinators.
Decline/Overwintering
Ongoing in cold monthsIn fall/winter or when exposed to cold, growth slows and leaf colors intensify. Plant becomes semi-dormant.
Reduce watering frequency. Move indoors before frost in zones below 10. Provide bright light indoors. Prune back in spring for rejuvenation.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate affected plants. Wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cloth for light infestations.
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Use neem oil for persistent infestations. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Improve drainage, avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil. Remove affected plants and repot in fresh soil if caught early.
Uses
Container & Interior Decorative Foliage
HouseholdColeus Kiwi Fern's unique fern-like foliage and multi-colored leaves make it a stunning ornamental for containers, hanging baskets, and indoor décor. Its compact growth and soft appearance add tropical elegance to patios, balconies, and living spaces. [source]
Pressed Flower & Botanical Art
CraftThe delicate, intricate leaf structure makes Coleus Kiwi Fern leaves ideal for pressed flower crafts, botanical arrangements, and scrapbooking. The color variations are preserved well when pressed. [source]
Shade Garden Design
HouseholdPerfect for brightening shaded garden areas with its variegated foliage, offering textural contrast to other shade-loving plants. Creates layered, lush landscapes without requiring full sun. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when allowed to bloom, contributing to pollinator garden ecosystems. [source]
Year-Round Indoor Plant
HouseholdAs a tender perennial, Coleus Kiwi Fern thrives indoors year-round in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for plant enthusiasts in cooler climates seeking long-term foliage specimens. [source]
Harvest Tips
Coleus Kiwi Fern is grown for foliage, not harvest. Pinch off growing tips and stems regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to maintain bushiness and encourage branching. Remove flower spikes if foliage appearance is the priority. Stems can be propagated in water for new plants. In zones below 10, take cuttings before frost to overwinter indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus Kiwi Fern is a cultivar of Plectranthus scutellarioides, which is native to Southeast Asia and Indonesia, though modern coleus varieties are bred for ornamental foliage rather than their ancestral medicinal uses.
- 🌱 Unlike many coleus varieties that have broad, colorful leaves, 'Kiwi Fern' was specifically selected and bred for its deeply lobed, fern-like leaf structure that mimics actual fern fronds—a rare trait in the Plectranthus genus.
- 🌱 Coleus plants are incredibly easy to propagate; a single stem cutting placed in water will root within 7-10 days, making them perfect for plant lovers who want to multiply their collection or share with friends.
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