Black Coral Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Black Coral')

🌿 The Black Coral Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Black Coral'), a cultivar of the Asparagaceae family, originates from West Africa where its wild relatives thrive in arid, rocky conditions. This striking variety showcases deep green leaves with near-black edges and subtle horizontal banding. With a compact, upright growth habit and exceptional drought tolerance, it's an ideal choice for beginner plant owners. Fun fact: snake plants are among the few houseplants that release oxygen at night, making them perfect bedroom companions for improved air quality while you sleep.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This cultivar grows in a tight, upright rosette formation with stiff, sword-shaped leaves that reach skyward. The foliage displays rich emerald green centres bordered by dramatic charcoal-black margins that create bold contrast. Leaves have a smooth, waxy texture with a firm, succulent-like feel that stores water efficiently. The dark edging intensifies with proper light exposure, creating an almost architectural presence in any space.
FLOWER DETAILS
Mature Black Coral Snake Plants occasionally produce tall flower spikes with small, tubular white or cream-coloured blooms that carry a sweet, honey-like fragrance most noticeable in evening hours. The flowers cluster along the spike in a delicate arrangement that contrasts beautifully with the bold foliage. Blooming typically occurs once yearly during warmer months, though it's relatively uncommon indoors. To encourage flowering, provide consistent bright indirect light, allow the plant to become slightly root-bound, and reduce watering during cooler months to mimic natural dormancy periods.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates low light conditions. Needs 4-6 hours of filtered light daily for best colour development
💧 Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Water every 2-3 weeks in growing season, monthly in winter. Bottom watering prevents crown rot
🌡️ Humidity: Tolerates 30-50% humidity, perfect for average Canadian homes with dry winter air
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite for aeration
🏺 Potting: Terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes, 1-2 inches wider than root ball. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots emerge from drainage holes
🌱 Growth rate: Slow growing, adding 2-4 new leaves over 6 months. Reaches 1 year at 12-18 inches tall. Maximum mature size of 24-30 inches height
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed once in spring and once in summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength. No fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains saponins that are mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Black Coral Snake Plant adapts to nearly any room in your home, from bright living rooms and home offices to lower-light bedrooms and hallways. Its air-purifying qualities and nighttime oxygen release make it especially suitable beside beds or in enclosed spaces. The compact form works well on shelves, desks, side tables, or clustered with other plants. Avoid placing directly in cold drafts from windows during Canadian winters or in constantly dark corners where growth will stall completely.