Coleus 'pink diamond'

Description

Coleus scutellarioides 'Pink Diamond' is a highly decorative tropical foliage plant combining soft pink, cream, ivory and fresh green in an irregular pattern that naturally varies from leaf to leaf.

Its compact branching habit and fast growth make it an excellent choice for tropical displays, bright terrariums and planted layouts where an immediate splash of colour is desired.

Botanical family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Coleus

Species

Coleus scutellarioides

Cultivar / horticultural name

Coleus scutellarioides 'Pink Diamond'

Botanical synonyms

Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides are older names still commonly encountered in horticultural trade.

Foliage

The foliage is the main attraction of 'Pink Diamond'. Leaves are predominantly soft to vivid pink, dusted or marbled with cream to ivory and often framed by a fresh green margin.

Colour intensity and pattern may vary depending on light, temperature and stage of growth, giving each new leaf a slightly different appearance.

Growth habit

Coleus 'Pink Diamond' quickly develops into a bushy and branching plant.

Regular pinching encourages additional shoots and helps maintain a compact, dense shape suitable for smaller tropical displays.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged terrestrial section
• Medium terrarium: Excellent while young
• Small terrarium: Yes with regular pruning
• Nano terrarium: Temporary
• Container cultivation: Excellent
• Submerged cultivation: No

Terrarium use

Its pink and cream foliage immediately creates a bright focal point among green tropical plants.

It can be planted in the midground or background, beside natural wood or among ferns, mosses and bromeliads to create strong colour contrast.

Recommended substrate

Use a light, humus-rich and free-draining substrate that retains gentle moisture without remaining saturated.

A mixture containing coco humus, perlite and light organic material works particularly well.

Watering

Keep the substrate lightly moist during active growth.

Avoid prolonged drying, which may cause rapid wilting, while also preventing persistent waterlogging.

Humidity

Humidity of approximately 55% to 80% is particularly suitable.

The plant adapts well to humid tropical environments provided adequate airflow is maintained.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: approximately 18°C to 28°C.

Avoid prolonged exposure to low temperatures and cold draughts.

Light

Coleus 'Pink Diamond' prefers bright filtered light.

Good lighting encourages compact growth and helps intensify the pink and cream tones. In excessively shaded positions, stems may stretch and colours may become less pronounced.

Avoid harsh direct sunlight, especially behind glass or under very close artificial lighting.

Growth

Fast-growing under warm, bright and humid conditions.

This vigorous growth quickly fills open areas but may require regular trimming in smaller displays.

Flowering

Coleus may produce upright flower spikes carrying small, discreet flowers.

These can be removed to encourage continued foliage production and maintain a denser plant.

Propagation

Propagation is very easy from stem cuttings.

Cuttings containing several nodes generally root quickly in moist substrate or water before planting.

Maintenance

Regularly pinch new shoots to encourage branching and maintain a compact form.

Long stems can be trimmed and reused as cuttings to fill other planted areas.

Fertilisation

Use a balanced low-strength tropical plant fertiliser during active growth.

Feeding should remain light in bioactive terrariums.

Why choose Coleus 'Pink Diamond'?

'Pink Diamond' lives up to its name with bright, jewel-like foliage blending pink, cream and green in a delicately powdered pattern.

Its rapid growth and easy pruning also make it highly versatile, from a compact colourful mound to a fuller tropical accent plant.

JungleBox advice

Provide bright filtered light and pinch the growing tips regularly. This helps create a denser plant with shorter internodes and stronger colour.

In terrariums, its pink foliage looks especially striking against dark cork, natural wood and deep green plants.

Additional information

• Botanical name: Coleus scutellarioides 'Pink Diamond'
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Type: Decorative tropical foliage plant
• Foliage: Pink, cream to ivory and green
• Growth habit: Bushy and branching
• Exposure: Bright filtered light
• Substrate: Light, humus-rich and free-draining
• Humidity: 55 to 80%
• Temperature: 18 to 28°C
• Growth rate: Fast
• Regular pruning: Recommended
• Tropical terrarium compatible: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Nano terrarium compatible: Temporary
• Submerged cultivation: No