From the tropical regions of West Africa, the black coral snake plant is a slow-growing flowering plant. A typical height is between 29 and 39 inches (75 and 100 centimeters).There are thick, luscious dark green leaves, sometimes nearly black, with horizontal bands of lighter green, white, and grey. The leaves can grow to be about 2.5 inches wide.Plants such as these make wonderful houseplants for their beauty, air-purifying properties, and ease of care.Since they can live with such little care, these plants not only find a place in homes but also in offices. These decorative pieces are ideal for many window sills and ledges.
Black Coral Snake Plant Care
Typically, these plants are highly resilient and strong. It is true that they prefer certain environments over others, but they readily adapt to thrive in any environment. Overwatering is less conducive to their health than neglect since too much water can cause them to become ill. Only a few components are necessary for life to survive and thrive.
How Should You Care for Your Black Coral Snake Plant?
This plant needs several provisions, just like any other. While there are six different elements, in terms of plant care, the actual requirements are minimal. Here are some of those needs and how they can be met.
Lighting Requirements
Even with low lighting, this snake plant will thrive, but it prefers indirect light that is bright to moderate. Its leaves could be scorched by direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
When temperatures range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius (59 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit), foliage is healthier.In short periods, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), however, to be reinvigorated, it must be returned to warmer temperatures. Frost cannot be tolerated by the plant.
Humidity Requirements
A high level of air humidity is ideal for snake plants. When the air is dry, an air humidifier can be used or a fine mist can be sprayed into the air.
Watering
Between waterings, the soil must be allowed to dry. You can water your plant once the soil has dried, but you need to make sure the water drains freely from the pot and the soil.You should not allow your roots to sit in water for too long as this can result in root rot and other problems.
Soil Requirements
A standard potting mix or one designed for succulent plants is suitable for this species. A well-draining potting mix needs to be used in a pot or container with adequate drainage.
Fertilizing
During the growing season, you may add a diluted dose of cactus or general-purpose fertilizer once a month. This plant requires little plant food and additional nutrition since it’s low-maintenance.An excess of fertilizer can damage plants, so it is best to add too little.
Additional Tips For A Black Coral Snake Plant
Although these plants may not require much care, it is always helpful to be knowledgeable about how to take care of them.Tips are provided for dealing with insects and diseases, pruning, and propagating foliage.
Pests and Diseases
Snake plants are extremely resistant to insects because their leaves are thick and tough. When they try to eat them, insects often have a difficult time. These plants are mostly affected by fungal diseases.Root rot is one type, but there may be others as well. In addition, there is another rare but potentially problematic issue listed.
- Rotted roots are often caused by overwatering. Roots sit in moisture for an extended period of time because the water does not drain fast enough from the pot. Fungus can thrive in this moist environment. The illness usually appears at the base of the plant as a discoloration of the leaves or stalks. The affected areas may be black or brown in color. Yellow or brown could be seen on the upper portions of the leaves as well. Alternatively, you can allow the current potting mix to dry out or repot the plant into fresh soil. It is possible that fungicides are needed. Cut away damaged or infected parts, including the roots.
- Toxicity caused by water that is added to soil is a concern. Chemicals are added to the water in some areas. If brown spots begin to appear on the leaves that are not caused by fungus, the caregiver should only use filtered water or water that has been left at room temperature overnight.
Pruning
Anytime can be a good time to prune, especially if the areas that are trimmed have been damaged. Unless, of course, the task is being done to cut back the plant’s size, propagate it, or for other reasons unrelated to its health, it is often best left to the growing seasons, spring and summer.Check the leaves for insects or illnesses before pruning. To do this, sharp, sterilized pruners or a knife should be placed near the soil, where the leaves can be cut. When trimming off damaged areas, the cutting tool should be sterilized after each use.
Propagation
Cuttings or divisions are used to propagate these plants. Sections of leaves are about three inches long. In order to develop roots, the lower part of the leaf can be placed in damp sand.Such propagation does not guarantee that the plant will have the stripes or bands of the mother plant.Plants propagated by division tend to have stripes of color, which makes them easier to grow. Caretakers must remove the plant completely from the soil to achieve this.Using sharp, sterile pruning shears or scissors, separate the plant into various sections after gently shaking the soil from the roots. In order for a viable division to grow, it must have a part of its root system and must be placed separately in pots that have been designed for succulent plants.For best results, propagation should be completed in spring.
Toxicity
Humans and animals can be mildly poisoned if they eat black coral snake plants. Pets and children should be kept away from these plants.