Viewing post #333092 by NoelCalvert

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Dec 4, 2012 2:50 AM CST
Name: Noel Calvert
Tumaco, Colombia-South America (Zone 13b)
A gringo?Where?(does a doubletake)
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 Smiling
Thumb of 2011-09-11/ClanCampbell/d42d0c


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.
Kneel & swear fealty to the Lord Dragon, or you will be knelt! Mazrim Taim
Last edited by NoelCalvert Dec 19, 2012 7:49 AM Icon for preview

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