The larvae are planktonic for 3–20 days and pass through a number of larval stages before settling on a suitable rocky substrate.

[8] Leptogorgia virgulata uses chemical defences to prevent algae, barnacles and bryozoans growing on the stalks.

These products have been investigated and are being considered for use as anti-fouling agents to prevent the growth of marine organisms on man-made structures.

[9] The snail Simnialena marferula feeds on debris around the coral and takes on the colour of the stems through assimilation of the pigments it contains.

[11] Leptogorgia virgulata sometimes grows in meadows of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum where it is often associated with the amphipod Caprella penantis.

[5] Because of its unique capability to live on hard bottom substratum in South Carolina among its coastal regions and estuaries and of its abundance in those habitats, it can serve as an indicator species, epitomizing sessile fauna in coastal reefs that fall within the range of the colorful sea whip.