Coleus scutellarioides 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' – A Bold Foliage Statement for Your Home


Coleus scutellarioides 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' is a compact foliage plant known for its intense, multi-layered coloration. With bright yellow centers, deep burgundy veins, and vivid green edges, its leaves resemble stained glass windows in motion. This fast-growing cultivar thrives in indoor conditions and responds well to pruning, making it ideal for vibrant shelf displays or grouped planters.


Why Coleus 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' Is a Must-Have Foliage Plant

 
Eye-Catching Leaves: Each leaf features an intricate blend of lime yellow, wine red, burgundy, and emerald green.
 
Textural Appeal: Softly serrated, velvety leaves offer a tactile contrast in any plant display.
 
Growth Habit: Naturally bushy and upright, reaching 25–40 cm indoors when regularly pruned.
 
Great for Beginners: Tolerant of typical household conditions and responds quickly to care adjustments.


Natural Habitat of Coleus scutellarioides 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake'
This cultivar descends from Coleus scutellarioides, a species native to lowland and mid-elevation forests across Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In the wild, it grows as an understory plant in humid tropical woodlands, often found along shaded forest margins and disturbed clearings up to 1,200 m elevation.


How to Care for Coleus 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' Indoors

 
Lighting Needs: Place in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Too little light dulls leaf color.
 
Watering Schedule: Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or stay soggy.
 
Temperature: Thrives at 18–25 °C. Avoid exposure below 10 °C.
 
Humidity Requirements: Prefers 50–70%. Mist lightly or place on a humidity tray if air is dry.
 
Soil Composition: Use a loose, well-draining substrate enriched with compost and perlite.
 
Feeding: Apply a liquid fertilizer once a month from March to September.
 
Repotting Tips: Repot yearly in spring if root-bound. Always use a pot with drainage holes.


Managing Shape and Propagation for Coleus 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake'

 
Pruning: Pinch growing tips weekly to maintain a compact form and prevent legginess.
 
Propagation: Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and root in moist substrate or water. Maintain 22–24 °C until rooted.
 
Hydroponic Compatibility: Performs well in hydro setups with proper aeration and nutrients.


Troubleshooting Common Issues with Coleus 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake'

 
Pale or Washed-Out Leaves: Caused by insufficient light. Move closer to a window or use a grow light.
 
Drooping or Curling Leaves: Often due to underwatering or temperature stress.
 
Yellowing: Signals overwatering or poor drainage. Let topsoil dry before rewatering.
 
Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.


Toxicity and Safety Notes
Coleus scutellarioides is considered mildly toxic. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans. Its sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep out of reach of children and animals.


The Botanical Story Behind 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake'
The species name "scutellarioides" refers to its resemblance to Scutellaria flowers. The genus name "Coleus" is from the Greek "koleos" (sheath), referring to the joined filaments. 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' is a modern cultivar bred for its unusually bold coloration and compact size, developed as part of the ‘Stained Glassworks’ breeding line in the early 2000s.


FAQs About Coleus scutellarioides 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake'

 
Can I grow it outdoors? Yes, during frost-free months. Bring indoors when temperatures fall below 12 °C.
 
Will it flower indoors? Yes, but blooms are insignificant. Remove flower spikes to preserve leaf vibrancy.
 
Can it tolerate direct sun? Only early morning light. Intense midday sun can scorch the foliage.


Bring Home Coleus 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' Today
Ready to brighten your space with extraordinary color? Order your Coleus scutellarioides 'Stained Glassworks Spacecake' now and enjoy low-maintenance care, bold tropical beauty, and year-round foliage drama in any indoor setting.