Coral Plant Plant Care
Berberidopsis corallina Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Berberidopsis corallina is a species of ornamental plant and is native to Chile. It is claimed to be restricted to the forests behind the port of Coronel in Arauco province and may perhaps be extinct there; brought by Richard Pearce in 1862.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Coral Plant?
Water Coral Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Coral Plant Native To?
What Is the Coral Plant?
Coral Plant (Berberidopsis corallina) belongs to the Berberidopsidaceae family within the Berberidopsis genus. Coral Plant is native to Chile. Coral Plant is also known as Chilean Coral.
Coral Plant displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Coral Plant produces small, tubular red flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Coral Plant?
Berberidopsis corallina requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Coral Plant Need?
Coral Plant thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Coral Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coral Plant Prefer?
Berberidopsis corallina grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Coral Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coral Plant?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Coral Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Coral Plant?
Feed Coral Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Coral Plant?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Coral Plant?
Coral Plant can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Coral Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Coral Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Coral Plant?
Coral Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Coral Plant Need?
Coral Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Coral Plant is native to Chile.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Coral Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Berberidopsis genus — compare its care with other Berberidopsis species on PlantoScan.
Berberidopsis is part of the Berberidopsidaceae plant family — browse all Berberidopsidaceae genera and species.
Coral Plant copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Berberidopsis corallina Hook.f., family Berberidopsidaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 88: t. 5343 (1862)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coral Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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