I never root cuttings in water. I do it in soil, but yes it will be true to type--it can't be anything else. You are rooting a piece of the plant not planting seeds. If you want to know how to do it in soil, here's how. You can use this method to take cuttings of all kinds of plants Taking cuttings is the same for most plants. First you must make sure everything you use is very clean. In a clean pail mix your soil with the water so you make sure the soil is damp right through. Use a soilless mix like pro mix or one that is formulated for seeds and cuttings. Just make sure it has no fertilizer in it. You want the soil wet but not too wet. Squeeze a handful and some moisture should come out but not a lot. Fill your pots and make a little hole in the center with your finger or something else that will make a small hole. Take your cuttings: With a sharp knife or razor blade cut a 5 or 6 inch piece from the growing tip, cutting just below a leaf. All roots and branches come from a leaf joint. Remove all but the top 5 or 6 leaves. Dip about 1/2 inch of the cut end in rooting hormone. It comes in powder or gel, either is OK as long as it's for soft wood cuttings. I use Stim-root NO. 1. After it's dipped put it in the hole and cover it in, and you're done. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. They will look wilted at first but that will change as it starts to grow roots. You will know it's rooted when it starts to show new growth. Wait until it is rooted well before you set it out. Don't use too big a pot, because it is harder to guage the moisture content. I use the small four pack inserts that you buy annuals in

The warnings about the products in question are prpbably due to the myths that continue about pine straw and conifer bark causing a pH problem. However, it has always been known that they can be used without any such problems whatsoever. The use of pine or cedar bark, or pine straw can be useful in keeping weeds away, in moderating soil temperatures, and preventing rapid moisture evaporation from the soil surface. A layer of mulch is also aesthetically pleasing. I mulch outdoor landscaping and garden beds without fail. I don't know what your planter box looks like, but if large in size and a permanent fixture, mulch might be a good idea.

I posted this "Golden Dreams" specimen awhile back but if you will allow me to post its picture one last time, before heavy rains or even an early Fall frost does it in...I am so impressed with this particular plant...a great coleus if you have the space:

I'm not sure when this happened, but it has two branches, and the leaves on each look very different from the other. Is this common? An inexplicable aberration?