Nutrition of container-grown coleus and the influence of growth retardant chemicals: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

Coleus blumei is a foliage plant commonly grown indoors in containers. Important aspects of its cultivation like nutrition and the inhibition of excessive growth are scarcely found in literature. The purpose of this study is therefore to contribute in this area. The objectives of this study are: i. to establish the response of Coleus blumei to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime; ii. to find if these nutrients have any interactive effects on its growth; iii. to find how growth retardants affect its growth; and iv. to investigate if added nutrients modify the response to the growth retardants.