Coleus scutellarioides 'Kong'

Kong Coleus Care & Identification Guide

Coleus scutellarioides 'Kong', the legendary Kong Coleus, is a breathtaking giant of the shade garden. Celebrated for its colossal, oversized leaves that grow up to 8 inches wide and display a stunning neon camouflage pattern of hot magenta-pink, deep burgundy, and bright lime margins, it offers an unmatched tropical visual footprint.

Sunlight Medium to Bright Indirect Light

Watering Moderate

Soil Mix Rich Organic fast-draining

Temperature 18°C - 27°C

Toxicity Toxic to Cats & Dogs

Botanical macro photography of Kong Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides 'Kong') - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Kong Coleus

Kong Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides 'Kong') is a remarkable ornamental species widely appreciated for its unique aesthetic and structural foliage. Recognizing its definitive visual traits is key to distinguishing it from other similar plants.

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Key Visual Features: Colossal, massive serrated leaves (up to 8 inches wide) featuring bold, symmetrical heart-shaped centers of deep pink and burgundy.
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Color Variations: Rich velvet burgundy-black blades with stark contrasting hot pink centers and light lime-green borders.
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Common Confusions: Confused with Coleus 'Wizard' (which has much smaller leaves, whereas Kong is a giant-leaf cultivar).

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Kong Coleus thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Water when the top 2 inches of potting mix feel dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely; massive leaves wilt quickly.

Prune regular growing tips in spring to maintain a dense, bushy shape. Pinch off any blue flower spikes to focus energy on foliage.

Apply half-strength liquid foliage fertilizer once every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Skip winter feeding.

Prefers bright to medium indirect light. Too much direct sun will burn the massive leaves and bleach the neon colors.

Rich, fast-draining soil mix: 2 parts organic potting soil, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part perlite.

Extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings rooted in water within 3-5 days. Cuttings sprout roots rapidly.

Stable warm room temperatures (18°C-27°C). Protect from sudden cold drafts and frost below 12°C.

Repot every year in spring into a large pot. Ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent soil stagnation.

Prone to mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. Spray weekly with organic neem oil.

Susceptible to root rot if overwatered, and downy mildew if foliage remains wet.

Because the leaves are massive, protect the plant from strong winds on patios, as the stems and foliage tear easily.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow or brown, drop off rapidly, and roots turn black and mushy.

Action: Trim rotten roots and repot instantly into fresh, fast-draining chunky potting soil.

Downy Mildew

Symptoms: Dusty gray-brown fuzz appears on leaf undersides, causing leaves to curl and drop.

Action: Prune affected leaves, improve air circulation, and spray with copper fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Coleus Kong leaves drooping so much?

drooping is a classic sign of dry soil. Coleus Kong has massive leaves that transpire water quickly. Water deeply; it will perk up in an hour.

Can I grow Coleus Kong indoors?

Yes! It makes a fantastic, highly colorful houseplant if placed near a bright window with abundant indirect light.

Should I prune the flowers on my Kong Coleus?

Yes, always pinch off the flower stalks immediately. This forces the plant to concentrate its energy on growing massive leaves.

Is Coleus Kong toxic to pets?

Yes, it contains toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.