Essentially, black coral snake plant is Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant is commonly called: The green leaves and light green markings on the tall, thick leaves that give this plant its common names. In the past, it was also used for making bowstrings, but is now primarily grown for decorative purposes.
There is a dense growth of this evergreen in the Asparagaceae family (asparagus). There are parts of West Africa, including Nigeria and the Congo, where the snake plant is native.
Black Coral Snake Plant Care
Size and Growth
In black coral snake plant, dense foliage forms a rosette at the base.
Leaves can reach a length of 35″ and a width of 2.5″.
Over a dark green base color, mature leaves develop light gray-green cross-banding.
Leaves with crossbanding have an attractive pattern.
Flowering and Fragrance
Small white flowers are produced by the snake plant in the summer.
They don’t produce a lot of flowers, but their fragrance is noticeable.
Light and Temperature
During the cold months of winter, snake plants prefer a minimum average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees C).
- Frost cannot persist for a long period of time on the plant.
- Place the plants in full or direct sunlight when grown outdoors.
- Corals grow well in normal room temperatures as well.
- You don’t have to water it frequently or give it a lot of light.
- The plants need medium light when grown indoors to avoid scorching due to direct sunlight.
Watering and Feeding
If the soil is dry up to several inches, water it.
Water thoroughly when you are watering.
Before the soil begins to drain, it must be saturated.
During the summer, a potted plant may need watering once or twice per month, while an outdoor plant may only need watering during times of drought.
It may only be necessary to water the plant once a month during the winter.
Sansevieria black coral is most likely to suffer from overwatering and root rot during the winter months.
Water your plants only after the soil and the roots have completely dried.
It isn’t necessary to fertilize but it may help your plants grow faster and produce brighter colors.
In spring and summer when your plants are actively growing, add the liquid fertilizer once per month.
Soil and Transplanting
Plant succulents in regular potting soil or with succulent soil that has been sanded.
Leaves are able to gain more moisture from well-draining soil.
Transplant in the spring before active growth begins.
When propagating a plant by division or outgrowing its container, transplant it only.
Grooming
There is no need for grooming.
After reaching several feet in height, the plants slow down.
It takes several years for it to reach full size, however.
Propagating Black Coral Snake Plant
Divide or take cuttings from the plant for propagation.
Plants produced by Sansevieria produce lots of suckers, which makes division the easiest method for propagating.
- Plants propagated by division should be removed from the soil.
- You can observe the rhizomes better if you loosely shake some of the soil around the plants.
- Plants can be divided into multiple parts using pruning shears.
- The root system should be included in each section.
- Using standard succulent potting soil, plant the pieces in separate containers.
- Spring is best for propagation.
Propagation with leaf cuttings involves cutting healthy leaves into sections of 3″ inches.
Each cutting should be inserted into damp sand up to the lower third.
When propagating from cuttings, new plants sometimes lack marginal stripes or yellow banding.
Black Coral Snake Plant Pest or Disease Problems
Pests and diseases are rarely a problem for this plant.
You can cultivate it easily.
Succulent leaves are usually difficult for spider mites and other common pests to penetrate.
As a result of root rot, fungal growth is the biggest threat.
The fungus may appear at the base of the plant if it receives too much water or grows in soil with poor drainage.
Correct the watering frequency and soil drainage to stop fungal growth.
Remove the affected portions of the plant or propagate the healthy portions via division or cuttings.
There is no invasiveness to the plant.
It is, however, mildly toxic.
Keep Sansevieria black coral away from animals and children as ingesting parts of the plant may cause stomach irritation.
Suggested Black Coral Snake Plant Uses
As Sansevieria black coral can grow quite large, it makes for an excellent addition in a large pot to an entrance or foyer.
Additionally, it has air purification properties that help ensure the air in any home or office is clean.