Troubleshooting
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' problems — and how to fix them
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' (Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Faded or washed-out colour
Too much harsh direct sun bleaches the near-black tone, while too little light pales it; aim for bright filtered light or part shade.
Leggy, sparse growth
Skipping tip-pinching and letting flower spikes develop causes stretching; pinch regularly and remove blooms to keep the plant dense.
Wilting and crisping
Coleus collapses quickly when the soil dries out and crisps in dry, hot air; keep soil evenly moist and shelter from drying wind.
Spider mites and mealybugs
Dry indoor air encourages mites (stippling, fine webbing) and mealybugs; raise humidity, rinse foliage and treat with insecticidal soap.
Prevent plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' problems before they start
Most plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common painted nettle problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' watering schedule
- Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' light requirements
- Best soil mix for plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon'
- Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' temperature & humidity
- Full plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' care guide
Looking for plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' in general rather than its problems? Read the full plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' problems — FAQ
Why is my plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' faded or washed-out colour?
Too much harsh direct sun bleaches the near-black tone, while too little light pales it; aim for bright filtered light or part shade.
Why is my plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' leggy, sparse growth?
Skipping tip-pinching and letting flower spikes develop causes stretching; pinch regularly and remove blooms to keep the plant dense.
Why is my plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' wilting and crisping?
Coleus collapses quickly when the soil dries out and crisps in dry, hot air; keep soil evenly moist and shelter from drying wind.
Why is my plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' spider mites and mealybugs?
Dry indoor air encourages mites (stippling, fine webbing) and mealybugs; raise humidity, rinse foliage and treat with insecticidal soap.