The Black Dragon Coleus is known for its dramatic, dark, velvety foliage. Its unique appearance, featuring deep burgundy to purplish-black leaves with ruffled edges, adds bold texture and color to garden beds, containers, and indoor displays. The leaves can range from dark maroon to bright scarlet red in the center, contrasting with darker margins.
Black Dragon Coleus Care Requirements
Black Dragon Coleus thrives in bright, indirect light or partial to full shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal in warmer climates. Too much direct sun can cause wilting or scorching, while insufficient light may dull the foliage color.
Consistent moisture is important for Black Dragon Coleus, as it is not drought-tolerant and can wilt quickly if the soil dries out. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Mulching around outdoor plants can help retain soil moisture.
An ideal soil mix for Black Dragon Coleus is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The plant tolerates a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil structure and fertility.
Black Dragon Coleus thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is sensitive to frost, so it’s advisable to wait until temperatures consistently reach around 70°F (21°C) before moving potted plants outdoors in spring. For indoor plants, maintaining humidity levels between 50% and 70% is beneficial, especially by using a humidifier or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water.
During the active growing season, from spring through early fall, Black Dragon Coleus benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every 2-4 weeks is suitable for container-grown plants, often at half strength to prevent root burn. For plants in garden beds with rich soil, amending the bed with a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time might be sufficient, as over-fertilizing can diminish leaf color.
Pruning Black Dragon Coleus
Pruning maintains the desired shape and promotes vigorous growth in Black Dragon Coleus. Regularly pinching back growing tips encourages a bushier, more compact plant and prevents legginess. This also stimulates new leaf development, contributing to a denser foliage display.
When the plant reaches about 6 inches in height, pinching out the growing tips can be started. To prune, simply pinch just below a leaf node or flower bud with your fingers or clean pruning shears. This action redirects the plant’s energy from vertical growth to lateral branching, creating a fuller appearance. Removing any emerging flower spikes is also recommended, as these can detract from the foliage vibrancy and divert energy away from leaf production.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Fading or a loss of vibrant color in Black Dragon Coleus foliage often indicates insufficient light exposure. While the plant prefers shade, too much shade can cause the deep hues to dull. Adjusting the plant’s location to receive brighter, indirect light can help restore its rich coloration.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, results from inadequate light or a lack of pruning. If light is the issue, move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light. Consistent pinching back of growing tips is effective in promoting bushier growth and preventing legginess.
Wilting or drooping leaves can signify either underwatering or overwatering. If the soil is dry to the touch, the plant likely needs water. However, if the soil is consistently soggy, it suggests overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again helps maintain the correct moisture balance.
Black Dragon Coleus can be susceptible to common pests such as mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspecting plants regularly for signs of pests, especially on the undersides of leaves, helps with early detection. For minor infestations, a strong spray of water from a garden hose can dislodge pests. For more persistent issues, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied, following product instructions carefully.
Propagating Black Dragon Coleus
Propagating Black Dragon Coleus from stem cuttings is straightforward, as the plant roots readily.
To take a cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and use sharp, sterile pruning shears to cut a 4 to 6-inch section, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting if placed in water or buried in soil. Large leaves at the top can be cut in half to reduce moisture loss.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water rooting, place the cut end in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Roots typically appear within one to two weeks; once about an inch long, transplant into a pot with moist potting mix.
If rooting directly into soil, insert the cut end into moistened potting mix. Covering the cutting with a clear plastic dome or bag helps maintain humidity, ensuring the plastic does not touch the cutting. Keep rooting cuttings in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.