You’ll discover that coleus plants can transform shady indoor corners into vibrant displays, even without direct sunlight. While many gardeners assume these plants need bright light, several varieties actually thrive in lower-light conditions. From the dramatic Black Dragon’s deep purple leaves to the striking patterns of Gold-Edged Emerald, there’s a perfect coleus for every dim spot in your home. Let’s explore which varieties will flourish in your specific indoor environment.

1. Dark Star Coleus

Dark Star Coleus is a striking variety known for its deeply saturated burgundy-purple leaves that appear almost black in certain lighting conditions. The foliage has serrated edges and a velvety texture, growing in an upright, bushy pattern that typically reaches 12-18 inches in height. This dramatic cultivar makes an excellent contrast plant when paired with lighter-colored foliage and serves as a bold focal point in container arrangements or indoor gardens.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vibrant with adequate lighting
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Regular pinching to maintain bushiness and prevent flowering

2. Wizard Scarlet Coleus

The Wizard Scarlet Coleus is a striking variety known for its vibrant red leaves with deep burgundy edges and green borders. This compact cultivar typically grows 12-14 inches tall and features serrated, velvety foliage that creates a dramatic display whether planted in containers or garden beds. Its intense coloration makes it an excellent choice for adding bold accents to indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic matter content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering

3. Kiwi Fern Coleus

Kiwi Fern Coleus is a striking variety known for its small, ruffled leaves featuring a bright chartreuse center surrounded by deep burgundy edges. This compact cultivar typically grows 12-18 inches tall and exhibits a dense, mounding growth habit that makes it ideal for containers and indoor spaces. The distinctive foliage pattern resembles miniature fern fronds, hence its name, and provides year-round visual interest with its vibrant color combination.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vibrant in brighter conditions
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering
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4. Kong Rose Coleus

Kong Rose Coleus is a stunning variety known for its massive, ruffled leaves that can grow up to 8-10 inches in length. The leaves display a vibrant pattern of deep rose-pink centers surrounded by lime green edges, creating a dramatic visual impact. This cultivar is part of the Kong series, which is specifically bred for larger-than-average foliage and excellent performance as an indoor plant, typically reaching heights of 18-24 inches when mature.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but colors may be less intense
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot

5. Coleosaurus Colorful Shade Variety

Coleosaurus is a striking coleus variety known for its large, serrated leaves featuring bold patterns of deep purple, burgundy, and lime green. This shade-loving cultivar typically grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads 12-16 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for indoor containers and shaded garden beds. The dramatic foliage maintains its vibrant colors throughout the growing season, creating a tropical appearance that adds visual interest to darker indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct afternoon sun; tolerates low light conditions
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering

6. Burgundy Wedding Train Coleus

Burgundy Wedding Train Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep burgundy-colored foliage with scalloped edges trimmed in bright lime green. This compact cultivar typically grows 12-18 inches tall and features a trailing growth habit that makes it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container edges. The rich, velvety leaves create dramatic contrast in indoor displays and maintain their vibrant coloring throughout the growing season.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vivid with adequate light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C), protect from cold drafts
  • Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering

7. Wasabi Coleus

The Wasabi Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Wasabi’) is a striking variety that features chartreuse to lime-green foliage with serrated edges. This vibrant cultivar creates a bold statement in indoor spaces with its bright, almost neon-colored leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant typically reaches heights of 18-24 inches and maintains a compact, bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for containers and mixed plantings.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic matter content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering

8. Red Trailing Dragon Coleus

The Red Trailing Dragon Coleus is a striking variety known for its cascading growth habit and vibrant foliage. Its leaves feature deep burgundy centers with bright red edges that create a dramatic contrast, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a spiller in container arrangements. This trailing variety can reach lengths of 24-36 inches when properly maintained, and its branching habit produces full, lush growth that adds visual interest to any indoor space.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess
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9. Chocolate Mint Coleus Shimmers

The Chocolate Mint Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep brown to purple leaves with mint-green edges that create a shimmering, iridescent effect. The foliage features dramatic serrated edges and a velvety texture, making it an eye-catching addition to indoor spaces. This particular cultivar typically grows to heights of 12-24 inches, developing a bushy habit that works well in containers or as part of mixed indoor plantings.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from intense afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; mist regularly
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes

10. Rainbow Palette Coleus

Rainbow Palette Coleus is a stunning variety known for its vibrant, multicolored foliage that can display combinations of pink, purple, green, yellow, and burgundy on a single leaf. This cultivar features medium-sized leaves with scalloped edges and a bushy growth habit, typically reaching heights of 12-24 inches. The dramatic color variations intensify when the plant receives ideal growing conditions, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; morning sun is tolerable, but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels (40-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot

11. Black Dragon Coleus

The Black Dragon Coleus is a striking variety known for its deeply ruffled, dark purple-black leaves with subtle burgundy undertones. This dramatic foliage plant grows into a compact bush shape, typically reaching heights of 12-18 inches, making it an excellent choice for containers and indoor displays. The intense coloration of its leaves creates a bold contrast against other houseplants, and while it can produce small blue flower spikes, the plant is primarily grown for its rich, velvety foliage.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vibrant with proper lighting
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels
  • Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and remove flower spikes
  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

12. Purple Emperor Coleus

The Purple Emperor Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep purple foliage with serrated edges and hints of burgundy undertones. This cultivar typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches, making it suitable for containers and indoor spaces. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and maintain their rich color throughout the growing season, providing dramatic contrast when paired with lighter-colored plants.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering
  • pH: 6.0-7.0
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13. Fiery Sunset Coleus

Fiery Sunset Coleus is a striking cultivar known for its vibrant foliage in shades of burgundy, orange, and yellow, creating a dramatic sunset-like effect. The leaves feature scalloped edges and a distinctive flame pattern, with darker centers that fade into brighter hues toward the margins. This medium-sized variety typically grows 18-24 inches tall and makes an eye-catching addition to container gardens or indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vivid with adequate light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist leaves regularly
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pinching: Regular pinching of growing tips to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering

14. Ruby Speckles Coleus

Ruby Speckles Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep burgundy leaves decorated with random pink and cream speckles, creating a confetti-like appearance. The plant typically grows to 12-18 inches tall and features serrated leaf edges that add texture to its already dramatic foliage. This compact cultivar makes an excellent choice for containers and indoor spaces where its unique coloration can serve as a focal point.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
  • Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity levels; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering

15. Gold-Edged Emerald Coleus

Gold-Edged Emerald Coleus is a striking variety featuring deep emerald green leaves with distinctive golden-yellow edges. The foliage forms a bushy, upright growth pattern reaching heights of 12-24 inches, making it an excellent choice for container gardens and indoor spaces. Its dramatic color contrast creates visual interest year-round, and regular pinching back encourages fuller growth and prevents legginess.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun; can tolerate partial shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Maintenance: Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; remove flower spikes to promote foliage growth