Coleus, considered a shade plant but to achieved the best leaf color is with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade.  Many varieties do well in both shade and part-sun.  Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as the soil does not dry out.   Avoid overly damp soils,  or allow the plant to stand in water, which can cause leaf drop and encourage disease.  Plant coleus outside after danger of frost has passed when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and evening temperatures are above 60 degrees F.  Feed plants regularly with a good water-soluble fertilizer, especially if they are growing in containers.

To maintain plant form and bushiness, pinch back every few weeks to prevent flower formation.  Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance; don't leave a stub.  Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it's best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth.  Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.  Coleus for their striking foliage. 

Coleus requires evenly moist fertile soil with good drainage.  Coleus is not drought tolerant, so do not allow the plant to dry out.  However, it will bounce back from a brief lapse in watering if not left to dry our completely.

To keep Coleus during the winter, bring them inside before the temperature drops below 60o F.   Overwintering coleus plants as houseplants is another way to get more plants.  They require Temperatures close  to 70 degrees F.   Rotate plants and pinch back as needed to maintain form

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​Pruning: Coleus, an eager fast-growing plant needs pinching out the tips of the stalks, this causes full-bushiness.  This technique keeps the plant from growing too tall and leggy.  Towards the end of summer, some coleus varieties develop flower spikes on the tip stalks, pinching prevents this from happing, causing the coleus to continue to grow fuller.