The Copper Glow succulent is admired for its distinctive coloration and resilient nature. Its striking appearance makes it a favorite among gardeners.
What is Copper Glow Succulent
The Copper Glow succulent is a hybrid plant, known as Graptoveria ‘Copper Glow’ or Graptosedum ‘Copper Glow’, resulting from a cross between Graptopetalum and Echeveria or Graptopetalum and Sedum. This succulent forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves that display colors from coppery-red to bronze, intensifying with ample sunlight. The leaves have a powdery coating, known as farina, which offers protection in bright conditions.
Copper Glow Succulent Care
Proper care ensures the Copper Glow succulent maintains its vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Light, water, soil, temperature, and humidity contribute to its well-being.
Light
Copper Glow succulents thrive in bright light. Place the plant in a location that receives ample sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, a grow light can supplement their needs, providing 12 to 14 hours of light daily. While direct morning sun is well-tolerated, intense afternoon sun, particularly in hot climates, may cause scorching, so protection or gradual acclimation is needed.
Watering
Proper watering is fundamental to the health of Copper Glow succulents, as they are prone to overwatering issues. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Succulents store water in their leaves, and frequent watering can lead to root rot. The soil should not remain wet for more than two to three days; avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
Soil
The Copper Glow succulent requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging. A suitable blend consists of 50% potting mix and 50% inorganic materials such as pumice or perlite. These inorganic components enhance drainage and aeration, crucial for succulents. Use soil formulated for cacti and succulents, or amend regular potting soil with gritty materials, ensuring the plant’s roots do not sit in prolonged moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Copper Glow succulents prefer moderate temperatures, thriving between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). While they tolerate some temperature fluctuations, extreme cold below 28°F (-2°C) may cause damage. Given their drought-tolerant nature, these plants prefer low humidity environments. Good air circulation also helps prevent excess moisture issues.
Fertilizing
Copper Glow succulents have minimal fertilizing requirements. During the active growing season (spring and summer), a diluted succulent fertilizer is applied once or twice. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to leggy growth and weakened cell walls. Opt for a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to a quarter strength.
Propagating Copper Glow Succulent
Propagating Copper Glow succulents allows gardeners to create new plants from existing ones. Leaf and stem cuttings are common and effective methods, as succulents can root from detached parts.
For leaf propagation
For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy leaf from the main stem, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the leaf to callous for a few days in a dry, shaded area; this prevents rot. Once calloused, place the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil, or insert the calloused end slightly into the soil. Roots and new plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are especially useful for leggy plants. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a stem section, ensuring it has a few leaves attached. Like leaves, allow the cutting to callous for several days to a week to prevent rot. After callousing, insert the cut end about 0.5 inches deep into well-draining succulent soil. Keep the soil lightly moist or water sparingly until roots develop, then gradually transition to a regular watering schedule.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with proper care, Copper Glow succulents can encounter common issues, often requiring adjustment in their growing conditions. Recognizing these signs and applying timely solutions helps maintain plant health.
If the succulent exhibits leggy growth
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and widely spaced leaves, indicates insufficient light. The plant is reaching for a light source, and this stretching, known as etiolation, cannot be reversed on existing growth. To address this, move the plant to a brighter location, ensuring it receives at least six hours of strong, indirect light daily, or use a grow light. Severely leggy plants can be “beheaded” and propagated to restart with a more compact form.
Mushy, translucent, or yellowing leaves
Mushy, translucent, or yellowing leaves often point to overwatering. When leaves become soft and mushy, it suggests the plant is holding too much water, which can lead to root rot. To remedy this, immediately cease watering and allow the soil to dry completely. If the problem persists, unpotting the plant to inspect for root rot and repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining soil may be necessary.
Shriveled or wrinkly leaves
Shriveled or wrinkly leaves, particularly older ones at the bottom of the rosette, indicate underwatering. This means the plant is using its stored water and needs a drink. To resolve this, provide a thorough watering using the “soak and dry” method, ensuring water drains from the bottom of the pot. After a good soak, the leaves should plump up within a day or two.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common pest for succulents, appearing as small, white, cottony masses in leaf axils or on stems. These pests feed on plant sap and can weaken the plant. For minor infestations, dip a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybugs; the alcohol dissolves their waxy coating. For widespread infestations, spray the plant with a diluted solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water, or an insecticidal soap. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread and repeat treatment every few days until the pests are gone.