My Soft-Spoken Favorite: The 'Black Dragon' Coleus

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm obsessed with coleus, and 'Black Dragon' is the crown jewel of my garden. This stunning plant boasts compact, velvety leaves with a unique lacy shape that's simply irresistible. What sets it apart is its ability to retain its rich, chocolate-brown color even in low light, and it can handle direct sunlight like a pro. With proper care, 'Black Dragon' is a great addition to any garden, making it perfect for busy gardeners or those new to the hobby - it's easy to care for and adds a pop of color to any space.", "pros": [ "The leaves are incredibly compact and have a luxurious feel to them.", "The unique lacy shape adds visual interest to any garden or indoor space.", "The plant retains its rich, chocolate-brown color even in low light, making it a standout.", "It can handle direct sunlight like a pro, making it perfect for sunny spots.", "It's pretty forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time.", "The plant's compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or indoor containers.", "It's a great choice for adding a touch of drama to your garden or indoor space.", "The plant's unique color and shape make it a conversation starter.", "It's relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, which is a big plus." ], "cons": [ "The seeds can be finicky to germinate, with a low success rate.", "I had to try 15 seeds to get just 2 to sprout, which was frustrating.", "The plant may require more frequent watering than other coleus varieties.", "It can be sensitive to overwatering, so be careful not to drown the roots.", "The plant may require more frequent pruning to maintain its compact shape.", "It can be more expensive than other coleus varieties due to its unique characteristics.", "The plant may not be as widely available as other coleus varieties.", "It can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so make sure to protect it from frost." ], "faq": [ { "question": "What makes the 'Black Dragon' coleus so special?", "answer": "The plant's unique lacy shape and rich, chocolate-brown color make it a standout in any garden or indoor space. Additionally, its ability to retain its color in low light and handle direct sunlight like a pro make it a great addition to any garden." }, { "question": "How do I care for the 'Black Dragon' coleus?", "answer": "To keep your 'Black Dragon' coleus happy, make sure to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of indirect sunlight. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plant regularly to promote healthy growth." }, { "question": "Can I grow the 'Black Dragon' coleus indoors?", "answer": "Yes, the 'Black Dragon' coleus can thrive indoors in a bright, sunny spot. Make sure to provide the plant with a large enough container and well-draining soil to prevent root rot." }, { "question": "How often should I water my 'Black Dragon' coleus?", "answer": "Water your 'Black Dragon' coleus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems." }, { "question": "Can I propagate the 'Black Dragon' coleus from cuttings?", "answer": "Yes, you can propagate the 'Black Dragon' coleus from cuttings. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings and remove lower leaves. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until roots develop." }, { "question": "How long does it take for the 'Black Dragon' coleus to germinate?", "answer": "The 'Black Dragon' coleus seeds can take anywhere from 7-14 days to germinate. Keep the soil moist and provide the seeds with indirect sunlight until they sprout." }, { "question": "Can I grow the 'Black Dragon' coleus in a container?", "answer": "Yes, the 'Black Dragon' coleus can thrive in a container. Make sure to choose a container that is at least 6-8 inches deep and has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil." }, { "question": "How often should I fertilize my 'Black Dragon' coleus?", "answer": "Fertilize your 'Black Dragon' coleus regularly to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label for application rates." ], "meta_title": "Black Dragon Coleus Review: A Unique and Low-Maintenance Garden Gem", "meta_description": "Discover the unique characteristics and benefits of the 'Black Dragon' coleus, a stunning and easy-to-care-for addition to any garden or indoor space.", "og_title": "Black Dragon Coleus Review: A Must-Have for Gardeners", "og_description": "Learn more about the 'Black Dragon' coleus, a standout plant with a unique lacy shape and rich, chocolate-brown color.