Coleus scutellarioides ‘Main Street Bourbon Street’

Warm-climate origins of Bourbon Street

The species originates across the warmer regions of Asia and extends into northern Australia, where coleus grows as a tender herbaceous perennial. Soft paired leaves emerge along square, branching stems, and those stems produce Bourbon Street’s dense foliage.

Growing a tropical foliage plant indoors

• Light: Keep this dark-leaved coleus close to a bright window and protect it from harsh midday sun through glass. Strong filtered light supports dense growth and its burgundy colour; acclimatise it before allowing direct sun.
• Watering: Allow between one quarter and two fifths of the substrate to dry, then soak and drain the container. Prevent repeated severe wilting and prolonged saturation.
• Climate: Cold, wet soil is especially risky for the soft stems.
• Substrate: A fertile mix with aeration and a moderate moisture reserve supports dense branching. Repot once the root system fills the pot or the plant begins drying too quickly to manage.
• Nutrition: Use a complete foliage fertiliser at a moderate rate through active growth. Ease off as days darken or stems stop extending.
• Pruning: Cut or pinch just above a node to encourage side shoots and maintain a full shape. Remove flowers if you prefer a foliage-focused display.
• Leaf care and light: Dust or rinse the scalloped leaves gently and skip leaf-shine products. Increase sun, wind and outdoor exposure over several days to avoid pale scorch patches.

Troubleshooting Coleus scutellarioides ‘Main Street Bourbon Street’

Dark leaves mature greener on weak stems

Compare the newest internodes. A gradual loss of contrast accompanied by wider spacing supports insufficient light. Increase brightness step by step without moving a shade-grown plant directly into hot sun.

The plant wilts while the mix is already wet

Stop watering and check drainage, roots and the lower stem. Keep pale firm roots, remove collapsed material and replace stagnant mix with a more open substrate around the viable system.

Pale papery areas face the window

This pattern fits scorch after abrupt exposure. Provide temporary filtering and let later leaves acclimatise before extending any direct sun.

Blackened shoots follow a cold period

Return the plant to stable warmth and wait until firm and soft tissue are clearly separated. Then prune above sound nodes. Repeated distorted tips without cold exposure need a close pest check.

Coleus scutellarioides ‘Main Street Bourbon Street’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Why is it called Coleus scutellarioides?

The name Coleus comes from the Greek word koleos, meaning “sheath”, and refers to the stamens joined at their base. The species name scutellarioides means “resembling Scutellaria”, another genus in the mint family.

João de Loureiro established the genus Coleus in 1790 in Flora Cochinchinensis, page 372.

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Ocimum scutellarioides in 1763 in Species Plantarum, second edition, page 834. George Bentham later placed it in Coleus as Coleus scutellarioides in 1830 in Plantae Asiaticae Rariores, volume 2, page 16.