Sansevieria ‘Black Coral’, commonly known as Snake Plant, is a bulletproof houseplant with modern style. You can’t do much better than the Snake Plant. It has been a favorite of interior designers for years because of how adaptable it is to a wide range of growing conditions. The stiff vertical leaves with variegated patterns make a dramatic and modern statement in any room. Black Coral has unique silver bands horizontally across rich, dark green leaves.
Sansevieria Black Coral’ is a semi-tropical plant native to West Africa. Where it’s native it grows in open grasslands and as a weed along roadsides. Spreading vigorously by creeping rhizomes that can grow below ground or just above the soil surface. It earned the nickname “viper’s bowstring hemp” due to the fact that the tough plant fibers were once used to construct bowstrings.
Water
Occasional – Drought Tolerant. Only needs watering once or twice a month
Light
Bright Shade – Mostly Shade
Humidity
They prefer lower humidity in the air.
Temp
Performs best in temperatures between 59-74°F but will survive short periods of temps at 50°F
Soil
Prefers a well-draining soil
Fertilizer
Fertilize plants twice a month at 1/2 strength during the growing season.
Pronunciation
san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-Fash-ee-aw-tuh
Common Name
‘Black Coral’, Mother-in-Law Tongue, Snake Plant, Viper’s bowstring hemp
Scientific Name
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Coral’
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if eaten. Keep away from children and animals.
Snake plants are one of the easiest and most adaptable houseplants around. Sansevieria trifasciata (san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-FASH-ee-aw-tuh) is one of over 70 different species falling under the heading snake plant. ‘Black Coral’ is a beautiful variety of the well known Snake Plant.
One of the darkest Mother-in-law’s tongue and also one of the tallest. Growing up to 3’ with narrow upward pointing leaves marked with gray-green wavy bands on a deeper green background. Color is darker, almost black, in lower light levels. Shades tend to be more pronounced on newer foliage. Sansevieria practically thrives on neglect.
Watering Black Coral
This member of the Agave family is a low maintenance succulent that only needs watering once or twice a month. Water thoroughly from below or at the base of the plant, only when the soil becomes dry. Any doubts about watering should result in waiting, as it is a drought-tolerant plant. If you really want to be sure, a inexpensive moisture meter can be a fool proof way of watering. Do not allow water to stand on the leaves. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Always plant in a pot with a drainage hole.
Black Coral Humidity
Sansevieria ‘Black Coral’ grows well in high humidity levels and dry conditions. Keep it away from air vents or drafts as this can dry out your plant. It will need very little water in the winter.
Light for your Black Coral
Sansevieria thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light but will adapt to low light conditions too. Colors are enhanced in bright, filtered conditions. Tolerates low light and partial shade making it a popular office plant. It is one of the top plants that grow in fluorescent lights.
Black Coral Soil
Black Coral Sansevieria acts as an indoor air purifier, removing toxins from indoor environments. They tolerate many soil conditions, but grow best in well draining soil. I prefer a soil amended with gravel, perlite, or pumice or coarse sand to allow good drainage. A standard succulent or cactus mix combined with perlite is also an excellent choice for snake plants. It is not too picky about pH requirements and does well in soil ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Fertilize your Snake Plant
Use a fertilizer diluted at half strength if needed. Sansevieria are low maintenance plants and do not require a lot of supplementary feeding. This plant is sensitive to over fertilizing so only use sparingly.
Black Coral Propagation
The ‘Black Coral’ succulent naturally propagates from underground rhizomes that run on top of or just beneath the surface of the soil. Propagation can be done by dividing the root ball, from offsets and from leaf cuttings.
To propagate from a leaf, take leaf cuttings and have them callus over for a few days. Place them in water or soil in the same direction they normally grow. Upside down cuttings will not take root.
Propagation also works well by dividing the root ball. Separate and place each division in a new pot with a drainage hole. Read more on Propagating Snake Plants.
Uses for Black Coral
‘Black Coral‘ is used outside as a groundcover and for edging. It is drought resistant so it is perfect for xeriscaping. Indoors it is easy to care for and makes a nice, attractive, trouble-free houseplant. Tolerates low humidity and goes without water for long periods. Coral will suffer little from under watering but will really suffer from overwatering.
Creamy tan flowers bloom in mid-summer. Black Coral will not die after it flowers but it will stop producing new leaves. The flowers apparently have a sweet aroma although we have never smelled them. Some of these plants, depending on the growing conditions, rarely flower. Even very healthy plants may be stubborn and not produce flowers.
Snake Plant Toxicity
Mildly toxic if eaten. Keep away from children and animals as pets as all parts of the plant are toxic.
Grooming your Black Coral
Keep Black Coral leaves shiny and glossy by dusting them with a soft damp cloth. Do not mist your snake plant because it can leave unsightly water spots on the leaves. Over time leaves may naturally die. Be sure to trim them back.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' Repotting
Many Snake Plant lovers allow their Sansevieria to become root bound and do not transplant more often than once every two to five years. This will not necessarily hurt the plant. However, once the plant outgrows its current pot repotting your Snake Plant will allow it to continue to thrive and grow. Add fresh soil every spring if not transplanting.
Snake Plant Varieties
There are over 70 varieties of snake plants. To learn more about different snake plant varieties such as the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’, Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Futura Robusta, Futura Superba, Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’, and more, visit here.
Snake Plants rarely are affected by pests, but it can happen. The major pests that affect the Snake plants are mealybugs, thrips, spider mites and aphids. These pests feed off the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. This causes wilting and eventual drying of the plant if you don’t control them. Learn more about pest eradication here.
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