The Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ (Kalanchoe orgyalis) is a distinctive succulent prized for its unique foliage, native to southern and southwestern Madagascar and belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Its common name comes from its ovate leaves, which often fold upward, resembling small spoons. The upper surface of the leaves is a rich bronze to cinnamon, covered in fine, felt-like hairs, providing a velvety texture. The underside offers a striking silvery-gray contrast. This succulent can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Understanding Kalanchoe Copper Spoons Flowers
Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ produces flowers, typically blooming from late winter into early spring. The flowers emerge in terminal clusters at the tips of the branches. Blooms are generally bright yellow, though pink variations exist. They are relatively small, often described as urn-shaped or square, with fleshy petals. The inflorescence can be quite tall, reaching up to 45 to 100 centimeters in length.
Encouraging Blooms
Prompting Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ to flower involves manipulating specific environmental factors, primarily light cycles and temperature. Like many Kalanchoe species, ‘Copper Spoons’ is a short-day plant, requiring extended periods of darkness to initiate flowering. To encourage blooms, provide at least 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for about six weeks. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with a light-proof box or cloth each evening.
Alongside controlled darkness, cooler night temperatures are beneficial for bloom induction. Aim for night temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C) during this short-day period. Daytime temperatures should remain warmer, around 60-70°F (15-21°C). A consistent temperature fluctuation between day and night helps mimic its natural blooming conditions.
Fertilization also plays a role in promoting flower development. During the period you are trying to induce blooms, use a fertilizer low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, such as a “bloom booster” formula. Apply this fertilizer sparingly, perhaps once every two to four weeks, to provide the necessary nutrients without encouraging excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Ensure the plant is otherwise healthy and well-watered during this phase to support the energy demands of flowering.
General Plant Care
Consistent general care is important for the overall health of Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. While it tolerates full sun, intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, can potentially burn the leaf tips.
Watering should follow the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. These plants prefer well-draining soil, such as a specialized succulent or cactus mix. An ideal temperature range for healthy growth is between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day, with slightly cooler nights.
Repotting is infrequent as these are slow-growing plants, necessary when the plant outgrows its container. Basic pruning can be done to maintain its shape or remove any leggy growth.
Common Issues
Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ can experience issues, often signaling care imbalances. A primary concern is a lack of blooms, which typically points to insufficient dark periods or incorrect temperature fluctuations during the flowering induction phase. Reviewing the specific light and temperature requirements for encouraging blooms can help address this.
Leaf discoloration, such as browning or yellowing, often indicates watering problems. Brown, crispy leaves suggest underwatering, while yellow, mushy leaves or stems are a classic sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings is important to mitigate these issues.
Leggy growth, where stems become stretched and sparse, indicates the plant is not receiving enough light and is reaching for a stronger light source. Moving the plant to a brighter location can help resolve this.