The Coleus scutellarioides ‘Campfire’ is a striking cultivar known for its vibrant foliage, which ranges from deep orange to fiery red hues. This tender perennial is native to tropical regions and is most commonly cultivated as an annual bedding plant or a container specimen in temperate climates. Its popularity stems from its intense, velvety leaf color and low-maintenance nature. Its upright, mounding growth habit makes it an excellent focal point in combination planters or as a colorful border accent.
Optimal Environmental Requirements
To maintain its vibrant orange-red coloration, ‘Campfire’ Coleus requires bright, filtered light or partial sun exposure. This cultivar needs strong light to develop its pigments, but direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light causes growth to become leggy, and the vibrant leaves will fade to a duller, greener shade.
The soil must be rich in organic matter and offer excellent drainage to prevent root issues. For container planting, a high-quality potting mix blended with components like perlite or peat moss ensures necessary aeration and moisture retention. Amending garden soil with compost improves both fertility and structure.
As a tropical plant, ‘Campfire’ Coleus is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The optimal temperature range for robust growth is between 70°F and 100°F. Wait to transplant outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60°F.
Routine Care: Watering and Nutrition
‘Campfire’ Coleus thrives when its soil is kept consistently moist. Water regularly, preventing the soil from drying out completely, which can cause leaf drop. However, the soil must never be waterlogged, as this leads to fungal issues and root rot.
Check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, the plant needs water. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground because the soil in pots dries out rapidly. Watering early in the morning allows the foliage time to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal disease.
Regular feeding is necessary, especially for container plants, since they are grown for foliage production. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength to avoid burning the roots. Application every two to four weeks during the active growing season provides sufficient nutrients. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as high levels promote lush green growth at the expense of the desired orange and red coloration.
Shaping, Troubleshooting, and Pest Management
To encourage a dense, bushy appearance, the technique of “pinching” is necessary. Pinching involves removing the growing tip, or apical bud, which breaks the plant’s natural tendency toward vertical growth. This promotes lateral branching, resulting in a fuller specimen.
The plant will eventually produce small flower spikes, which should be removed immediately. Allowing the plant to flower diverts energy away from foliage production and shifts resources toward seed creation. Regular light pruning beyond pinching also helps keep the plant compact and prevents it from becoming woody.
Coleus plants are susceptible to common pests, including mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids. Inspecting the undersides of the leaves regularly allows for early detection. Minor infestations can be managed with a strong spray of water, but persistent issues often require treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fading orange foliage often signals incorrect light exposure; too much sun bleaches the leaves, while too little causes them to revert to green. Leaf drop indicates improper soil moisture or temperature shock. To preserve ‘Campfire’ over winter in cold climates, bring the plant indoors before the first frost. Inside, it requires a bright, warm location and significantly reduced watering until spring.