Coleus 'Spacecake' - Painted Nettle

Coleus ‘Spacecake’ is a striking ornamental foliage plant grown for its colourful, patterned leaves. Its vibrant mix of contrasting tones and distinctive leaf markings brings plenty of personality to indoor plant collections, patio pots and summer garden displays. With its naturally bushy growth habit and fast-growing nature, this unusual Coleus is a fantastic choice for adding colour and texture wherever it grows.

Scientific Name
Coleus scutellarioides ‘Spacecake’

Common Name(s)
Spacecake Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle

Origin
A cultivated ornamental variety of Coleus scutellarioides, a species native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and surrounding areas. It is widely grown for its decorative foliage.

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Some gentle morning or evening sunlight can help maintain vibrant foliage colours, but avoid prolonged strong midday sun, particularly during hot weather. Too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose some of its distinctive colouring.

Water
Keep the soil consistently lightly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top centimetre or two of compost begins to dry, then allow excess water to drain away. Coleus plants can wilt quickly when thirsty, particularly during warm weather. Reduce watering during cooler months.

Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity but generally adapts well to average household conditions. Keep away from radiators and other sources of hot, dry air. Outdoor plants appreciate a sheltered position away from drying winds.

Soil
Use a fertile, well-draining peat-free multipurpose compost. Adding a little perlite can help improve drainage when growing in containers.

Food
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy foliage growth. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.

Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Coleus is frost-tender and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. In the UK, it can be grown outdoors during the warmer months but should be brought indoors before temperatures drop in autumn.

Pet-safe
No. Coleus plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested and may cause digestive upset. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Regularly pinch out the growing tips to encourage a fuller, bushier plant and prevent it becoming tall and leggy. Removing developing flower spikes can also help direct the plant’s energy into producing more of its colourful foliage.

Give your ‘Spacecake’ plenty of bright, filtered light to maintain its distinctive markings and encourage compact growth.

Extras
‘Spacecake’ is a fast-growing foliage plant that works beautifully in mixed containers, patio pots and summer bedding displays. It can also be grown indoors in a bright position.

Coleus plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making it simple to create new plants or keep a favourite variety growing from year to year.

Did You Know?
Coleus belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and its square stems are a characteristic feature shared by many members of this family.

Although Coleus plants can produce small flower spikes, they are primarily grown for their spectacular foliage, which comes in an incredible range of colours, patterns and textures.