Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5341492

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Also known as Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Painted Leaf

Coleus plants produce intensely colorful, patterned leaves ranging from crimson and magenta to lime green and deep purple. Native to tropical regions from Southeast Asia to Australia, they thrive in moist, shaded environments where their square stems and opposite leaves clearly mark them as members of the mint family. Small blue-to-violet flower spikes emerge in late summer, though growers often pinch them back to preserve the plant's striking foliage energy.

ColorfulFoliage PlantTropical
Coleus reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photosynthesis
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Mealybugs
ThreatsHabitat loss in native ranges, frost exposure
HabitatsTropical forest margins, stream banks, gardens
Life span2–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusColeus
  4. SpeciesColeus scutellarioides
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep plants out of reach of household pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains essential oils and diterpenes that cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting in dogs and cats.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by square stems, serrated edges, and bright maroon, red, or green leaf patterns.
What to do
Position indoor and outdoor pots away from roaming pets and wash hands after handling foliage.
Responsible observation
  • Pinching Tips: Pinch off growing tips and flower spikes to encourage dense foliage growth.
  • Lighting Care: Provide bright indirect sunlight to preserve intense leaf patterns.
  • Watering Needs: Keep soil continuously moist but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Related species
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