Soil
Moist but well-draining soil is required. Use a peat- or coir-based potting mix amended with perlite or sand for containers.
In the garden, sandy loam enriched with organic matter works well. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of between 6.1 to 7.3.
Avoid compacted or heavy soils that hold excess water, which can quickly lead to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant performs best at temperatures between 55 to 65°F during active growth.
To encourage flowers and fruit, it needs several weeks exposed to temperatures of 50 to 59°F in spring.
While hardy in Zones 9 to 11, this species naturally grows at high elevations where summers remain mild.
In warmer lowland areas, coral bead plants often decline in hot weather unless given shade and consistent moisture. Indoors, keep them away from heat vents or drafts.
Coral bead can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F as long as the plant is well-hydrated and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Humidity should stay above 50 percent, so set pots on pebble trays or use a humidifier if necessary.
Water
Consistent moisture is essential. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and continue until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Alternatively, you can place a pot in a dish filled with an inch of water and let it drink for 20 to 30 minutes. Whether you water over the soil or use the bottom-watering method, it’s crucial to avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
Never allow the soil to dry out completely, but avoid leaving roots in standing water. In fall and winter, reduce the frequency and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. You can use a moisture meter to guide you.
Outdoors, provide an inch of water per week in the absence of rain, and more as needed during high heat and dry spells.
Fertilizing
During active spring and summer growth, indoor and outdoor containers benefit from monthly applications of all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Do not fertilize in fall and winter. Overfertilizing produces excess foliage and discourages flowers.
I like to use Dr. Earth® Pump & Grow® Indoor House Plant Food, which has an NPK ratio of 1-1-1. This is a balanced liquid product suitable for indoor and outdoor containers.
Dr. Earth® Pump & Grow® Indoor House Plant Food is available from Arbico Organics.
Outdoors, in early spring apply a slow-release, all-purpose, granular fertilizer sparingly, at no more than half the recommended dose, to support healthy foliage, flowers, fruits, and roots.
Where to Buy
In addition to straight species N. granadensis, there are naturally occurring variations, including N. granadensis var. insularis, N. granadensis var. javanica, and N. granadensis var. tetrasperma.
There are a few cultivated varieties with orange, red, white, yellow, or multicolored fruits. These are typically listed as the fruit color rather than as named cultivars.
Seeds and plants are not easy to find unless you are in the Western Pacific or a temperate region, like the United Kingdom.
Maintenance
If you have sprawling, healthy outdoor plants, there’s little maintenance needed.
You can prune wayward stems that creep out of your designated boundaries by snipping them just above a leaf node to redirect stems laterally.
In addition, to maintain an aesthetically pleasing display, you can pinch off berries that turn from plump red-orange to sticky, shriveled black.
Overcrowded in-ground plants benefit from dividing every few years to rejuvenate the clump and to inhibit fungal development.
If you grow coral bead as an annual, clear away and dispose of all foliage and berries at season’s end to inhibit the wintering-over of pests and pathogens.
Nan Schiller
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