I remember my mom always rooted hers in water, but this is definitely better. That way, I wouldn't have to transplant for awhile!

One question is - you say keep in the shade. I do houseplants, so would I want to just keep it by a bright window with indirect light? Will that be enough to make it root?

Two - would it be better (to make the parent plant bushier) to make my initial cuttings from stems on the "inside" of the plant and not those on outlying stems? Or does that matter? I've got one coleus and it's getting leggy. I've been pinching it back, but would love for it to fill in more. The picture is how it looked when I first got it- I want it back to that or even bushier.

Thanks for a terrific article-I'll definitely be referencing this alot

I'd say just bright indirect light while they're under the humidity dome. Direct sun can really heat it up under the dome. Once the dome comes off, a little direct light shouldn't hurt. Again I stress, they do need a lot of light to do well, especially thru winter when days become so short. Expect fading of colors with less lighting. They'll brighten up when they get back to the sun. Additional fluorescent lighting helps a lot.

Regarding where to take cuttings, I'd try several different ways and experiment to find which you prefer. I think I prefer tip cuttings, but occasionally I plant a "Y" at the soil line.

Karen

the tip cuttings.. you can also pinch later on to make them bushier

ClanCampbell said:

Two - would it be better (to make the parent plant bushier) to make my initial cuttings from stems on the "inside" of the plant and not those on outlying stems? Or does that matter? I've got one coleus and it's getting leggy. I've been pinching it back, but would love for it to fill in more. The picture is how it looked when I first got it- I want it back to that or even bushier.

Thanks for a terrific article-I'll definitely be referencing this alot

Hello ClanCampbell,
I am not a Coleus grower normally, but I have had some limited success when I neglect them (I have a tendency to over-water if I pay attention to them). I do know a little about plant physiology though, & I can tell you to make your plant bushier, you should pinch the tips of the main stalk, & you can do the same on the branches. Going to the inside areas of the plant will be counter-productive. The plant sends "leafing" hormones to the tips which are redirected to the nodes below the tips when pinched. This is what causes the plants to bush out(If I remember my botany correctly).

EDIT: I did not remember my botany correctly, but the method is sound. What actually happens is the tip sends inhibiting hormones to the other "buds" below, & this flow of hormones is stopped by pinching the main tips. Either way it actually works, the method is the same.