Coleus scutellarioides ‘Curly Coleus’
Best vibrant foliage for bioactive terrarium and vivarium enthusiasts.
Elevate your space with the Coleus scutellarioides ‘Curly Coleus’, a visually stunning plant featuring uniquely serrated, curly leaves in a vibrant palette of reds, pinks, purples, greens, and yellows. This fast-growing plant is perfect for adding a splash of color and texture to bioactive terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums, while also providing natural hiding spots for small reptiles and amphibians. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil. Regular pruning encourages a fuller, bushier appearance, making it an easy-care, dynamic addition to humid enclosures.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Scientific Name
Coleus scutellarioides
/ Coleus scutellarioides
Who it's for
- Busy plant owners needing versatile, low-effort greenery
- Designers seeking sculptural foliage for visual depth
- Gardeners wanting year-round vibrant color without seasonal gaps
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited access to bright, indirect light
- Hands-off gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, non-pruning plants
- Beginners uncomfortable with monitoring or treating common houseplant pests
Performance breakdown
Terrarium Suitability
Thrives in high-humidity environments while providing excellent cover for small reptiles.
Visual Impact
Serrated, multi-colored foliage creates an immediate, vibrant focal point.
Growth Velocity
Rapid development allows for quick filling of empty enclosure spaces.
Maintenance Ease
Simple pruning routines keep the plant bushy and manageable for beginners.
Propagation Potential
Cuttings root reliably, making it easy to expand your plant collection.
Environmental Adaptability
Requires consistent moisture and specific light levels to maintain peak coloration.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Coleus scutellarioides
Growth Rate
Fast
Ideal Temperature Range
65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C)
Humidity Requirement
50-70%
Recommended Soil
Well-draining mix (coconut coir, perlite, compost)
Fertilization
Every 4-6 weeks during growing season
Features
- Unique curly-edged foliage for striking visual appeal
- Ideal for bioactive terrariums and vivariums
- Provides natural shelter for small pets
- Vibrant colors under bright, indirect light
- Easy to propagate from cuttings
- Promotes healthy bioactive environments
- Fast-growing and adaptable
- Low maintenance care requirements
What customers say
Customers are delighted by the striking visual appeal and unique texture of the ‘Curly Coleus’. The primary praise centers on the plant's vibrant, consistent coloration and the distinctive ruffled leaf design, which adds immediate flair to indoor and outdoor spaces. Reviewers frequently highlight the exceptional quality, noting that the plants arrive healthy, well packaged, and transition smoothly into their new environments, demonstrating robust vitality right out of the box. This product delivers on its promise of unique aesthetic value and reliable plant health.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant is an excellent choice for bioactive setups. It provides natural shelter and humidity retention, making it a safe and functional addition for small reptiles and amphibians.
The Curly Coleus requires bright, indirect light to keep its foliage colors vivid. If the light is too dim, the leaves may lose their intensity and the stems can become leggy.
It thrives in a well-draining mix, such as a blend of coconut coir, perlite, and compost. This ensures the roots stay moist without becoming waterlogged, which is essential for healthy growth.
Regular pruning is recommended to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Simply pinch back the growing tips, which also encourages the plant to branch out and become fuller.
Absolutely. The Curly Coleus is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your collection or fill in other areas of your enclosure without needing to buy new plants.
This plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is well-suited for most indoor environments and standard bioactive terrarium setups.
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$15