Coral Bead Plant

Botanical Name: Nertera granadensis

Coral Bead Plant is an unusual-looking ornamental plant that grows in a thick mat of tiny, dark-green leaves on intertwining stems.

In early summer, small, white flowers appear followed by orange-red berries. The attractive berries can completely cover the foliage and will last for months.

Because of its need for cool temperatures and humidity, Coral Bead Plant can be somewhat difficult to please indoors.

Moving the container outdoors will give it the cool air and bright light it needs to flower and produce berries. Just put the plant in a sheltered spot out of cold winds and direct sun. If the plant is kept very warm, it will be a foliage plant without berries. The plant will still be attractive. In fact, the foliage looks a lot like Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii).

The shallow roots of this plant make it best-suited for a shallow pot. Repot in spring only when needed.

Other common names for this plant are: Bead Plant, Pincushion Plant and Coral Moss.

Coral Bead Plant Care Tips

Origin: New Zealand, Eastern Australia, Southeast Asia and South America

Height: 3 in (8 cm)

Light: Bright light; no direct sun

Water: Keep soil evenly moist

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Mist it daily from the time it flowers until the berries have formed.

Temperature: Cool to average 55-65°F/13-18°C

Soil: 2 parts peat moss-based potting mix with 1 part sand or perlite for good aeration

Fertilizer: Feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half while the berries are on the plant.

Propagation: Division; gently pull apart clumps and plant them in separate containers. Can be grown from seed or from tip cuttings in spring.