Coleus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon'

Black Dragon Coleus Care & Identification Guide

Coleus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon', the incredibly rich and mysterious Black Dragon Coleus, is a breathtaking masterpiece of gothic foliage. Celebrated for its unique deeply lobed, ruffled, and heavily puckered leaves of a dark velvet burgundy-black with a glowing hot magenta-red center, it offers a dramatic gothic statement.

Sunlight Bright Indirect to Direct

Watering Moderate

Soil Mix Rich Organic fast-draining

Temperature 18°C - 27°C

Toxicity Toxic to Cats & Dogs

Botanical macro photography of Black Dragon Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon') - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Black Dragon Coleus

Black Dragon Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon') is a remarkable ornamental species widely appreciated for its unique aesthetic and structural foliage. Recognizing its definitive visual traits is key to distinguishing it from other similar plants.

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Key Visual Features: Heavily ruffled, deeply lobed, and puckered leaves with a rich velvet texture and dark burgundy-black color.
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Color Variations: Deep velvet purple-black blades with glowing hot magenta-red centers; new leaves display a very bright red color.
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Common Confusions: Confused with purple basil (which has smooth, non-ruffled leaves, whereas Black Dragon has deeply puckered ruffled leaves).

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Black Dragon Coleus thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Water when the top 2 inches of potting mix feel dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely; sensitive to drought wilting.

Prune growing tips regularly to keep a compact, bushy shape. Pinch off blue flower spikes immediately.

Apply half-strength liquid foliage fertilizer once every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Skip winter feeding.

Requires abundant bright indirect light to direct morning sun. Colors will turn green and fade if kept in low light.

Rich, fast-draining soil mix: 2 parts organic potting soil, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part perlite.

Extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings rooted in water within 3-5 days. Cuttings sprout roots rapidly.

Stable warm room temperatures (18°C-27°C). Protect from sudden cold drafts and frost below 12°C.

Repot every year in spring. Ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent soil stagnation.

Prone to mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. Spray weekly with organic neem oil.

Susceptible to root rot if overwatered, and downy mildew if foliage remains wet.

To get the deepest black and magenta colors, provide plenty of bright direct morning sunlight. Direct sun is highly beneficial.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow or brown, drop off rapidly, and roots turn black and mushy.

Action: Trim rotten roots and repot instantly into fresh, fast-draining chunky potting soil.

Downy Mildew

Symptoms: Dusty gray-brown fuzz appears on leaf undersides, causing leaves to curl and drop.

Action: Prune affected leaves, improve air circulation, and spray with copper fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Black Dragon Coleus turning green?

Inadequate light is the main cause. Move your Black Dragon to a brighter spot with plenty of indirect sunlight or morning direct sun.

Does Black Dragon Coleus lose its velvet texture?

No, the velvety texture is a genetic feature. However, low light will make the leaves thinner and less puckered.

How large does Black Dragon Coleus grow?

It is a compact variety, typically growing only 12-18 inches tall, making it a perfect tabletop or low shelf specimen.

Is Black Dragon Coleus safe for dogs?

No, it contains toxic essential oils that cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress in dogs and cats.