Ha, you got me, was ready to ask what you're on with the title of this thread.
I've come to the same conclusion, totally agree, so decided to focus my efforts elsewhere and use the handful that I have. The leaves vary wildly in different amounts of light anyway. The (one) mom'n'pop store here in town has the same 10 Coleus every year, all reds and yellows, the BBS's have their usual same selection also, which was especially small and short-lived this year.
Think a lot of people had the same thought as I did this year - load up on wax Begonias because man, they went quick and didn't make it to clearance like usual anywhere I'm able to visit repeatedly, which isn't much. I still had a few bucks and needs for them, but they were el-gone-o.
Was going to make a wholesale order to completely lose my mind in Coleus this year, had it tentatively planned, got a price, but ended up blowing most of my gardening money on tiny succulents for mini gardens. Hmmm... spent all that money for plants you have to bend over to see, holes where Coleus usually live in the ground... Uh...? I'm happy, but, it's not as exciting-looking from the curb this year.
I love trading! Traded plants a lot so far this year, and Coleus is the one thing that's always at the bottom of the list, as in people talk about how great everything else looks, then say like, "the Coleus looks like it will live... I think." A few said they arrived with roots already, so not saying it's been all negative. Since so many other plants are arriving perky and fine, seems like it just doesn't travel well, not so much a reflection on my method of packing it. Or would those of you with more, successful experience mailing this around disagree? Are you sending only rooted cuttings? Which is preferred, for those who have tried both?
I have propagated Coleus for decades, thousands of times, so confident in the material I've selected as cuttings worth sharing...
I would pack Coleus like this, please critique: Take cutting about an hour before sending, put immediately in shade in water to make sure it's fully hydrated. When ready to pack, fold a paper towel in half, put it in a fold-top baggie, put 10-12 moisture balls (like moisture crystals but ball shaped,) insert cut end to contact the paper towel, add as much moisture as the paper towel can hold without dripping, gently twist the baggie closed enough to keep the moisture balls in, but with a little gap for air exchange, slide gently (with my hand holding leaves folded toward the tip,) into paper towel roll so it's not broken, leaves aren't mangled or smushed. Always done within minutes of taking package to PO.
I don't want to receive any Coleus via trade, but would love to continue sharing when the issue arises, as long as they can make it to their destination.
