Black Coral Snake Plant
Black Coral Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Black Coral') is an evergreen perennial ornamental houseplant, mostly grown for its strikingly patterned foliage. It is one of the many cultivars of the widely grown genus sansevieria and is well-liked due to its fast growth rate, hardiness and resilience to neglect and easy care routine. It has thick foliage consisting of long, dark green leaves banded in gray and edged with a soft yellow. Some specimens may show purple or pink tones in the leaf margins. Its foliage can grow to a height of around 24 inches and the plant is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, making it a perfect choice for beginner gardeners as well as seasoned horticulture enthusiast alike.
This cultivar is well-known for its drought tolerance and needs minimal watering. You should only water when the soil is dry to touch. It is important to not let the soil become completely dry as the foliage may suffer from drying out. Once every two weeks should be an adequate amount of water, however this depends on the light intensity its subjected to and the temperature of your home.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, although it can also thrive in darker settings such as a north-facing window. If kept in bright direct light for a long duration, the foliage may turn pale green, however it can recover from the pale hue with brighter indirect light. The plant should not be exposed to direct afternoon sun as it may get sunburned.
Although Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is resilient to a wide range of temperatures, it is best suited for temperatures between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). During winter, you should make sure the temperatures stay above freezing. It is worth noting that extreme temperatures may cause the plant to go dormant.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a perfect houseplant for dry households, since it is adapted to thrive in low levels of humidity. Common household levels of humidity are more than enough for it to be healthy and happy. However, higher levels of humidity will benefit its growth.
This houseplant prefers a well-draining soil to avoid the roots rotting. A mixture of potting mix, compost and extra perlite or pumice works well. You can also add in some slow-release organic fertilizer for extra nutrients. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, anywhere between 6.5 to 7.5.
Fertilize Sansevieria 'Black Coral' once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. You should use half the recommended amount on the package, diluting it into the water. Foliar fertilizer can also be used but only in the spring and summertime when the plant is actively growing. During the winter, the plant goes dormant and you should not fertilize it.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a tough and resilient plant and can usually tolerate pests quite well. Spider mites and mealybugs may be the most common pests this plant will suffer from. Spider mites are small orange or white bugs that tend to appear in a cluster on the foliage. Mealybugs are white fuzzy bugs that appear along the leaf margin. You can treat these pests with an insecticide or pesticide. Another option is to use neem oil which is an effective organic pesticide. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label closely and to be diligent with the treatments.
The Sansevieria 'Black Coral' should be re-potted every two to three years. When re-potting, make sure to choose a slightly larger container with sufficient drainage holes. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix that tends to be loose and airy, with some added perlite for better drainage. You can also add in some compost or slow-release organic fertilizer to give your plant an added boost.
This houseplant rarely needs pruning, however you can do so if necessary. You can prune away dead foliage, yellowed leaves or dry leaf tips. To prune away dead foliage, you should use a pair of sharp, sterilized garden shears. Make sure to discard the cut foliage away from the plant itself as it may carry diseases. You should also avoid overcrowding or over-pruning the plant, as this can be damaging.
Mulching is not required for this houseplant. It works best in a soil-only medium, with no peat moss or almost any other amendment mixed in with it.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is easily propagated through its shoots or rhizomes that are found underneath the soil. Divide its basal shoots or rhizomes into 2 or more sections. Each division should include some foliage, roots, and rhizomes. Plant each division in an individual pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Make sure to provide evenly distributed medium-light and evenly distributed water and it should root in no time.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' doesn't require any support when grown indoors. Its sturdy foliage stands upright on its own and doesn't need support from staking or other supports. It may occasionally need some support from a stake especially when it is grown in overly moist soil or low light.
There are no specific rest periods required for S. 'Black Coral'. However, during its winter dormancy, plants tend to be less active and require minimal attention. During this time, reduce watering to prevent the roots from rotting and make sure the environment is not too cold.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is mildly toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep the plant away from any potential danger. If consumed, it may cause oral irritation and difficulty in breathing, and it is important to contact a vet immediately.
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