The Copper Rose succulent is a highly sought-after plant, appreciated for its distinctive appearance and vibrant coloration. Its unique rosette form and striking copper, red, and bronze hues make it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts. This plant adds natural artistry to indoor spaces or outdoor gardens in suitable climates.
Understanding Your Copper Rose Succulent
The plant commonly known as Copper Rose can refer to different succulents, primarily Aeonium ‘Bronze Medal’ or Echeveria multicaulis. Aeonium ‘Bronze Medal’ forms medallion-like rosettes on branching stems, reaching up to 18 inches tall with rosettes about 2.5 inches in diameter. Its leaves are green with irregular burgundy-red markings, deepening to dark bronze during summer dormancy.
Echeveria multicaulis is a branching succulent with stems up to 3.3 feet long. Its leaves are fleshy, shiny, and dark green with red margins and tips, with the red intensifying in sunlight. This Echeveria forms small bushes up to 16 inches tall and produces yellow, orange, and red flowers. Both plants share a rosette shape and develop rich, coppery tones, especially with ample sunlight.
Caring for Your Copper Rose Succulent
Proper light exposure is important for maintaining the characteristic color of a Copper Rose succulent. Both Aeonium ‘Bronze Medal’ and Echeveria multicaulis thrive in bright, direct sunlight, which enhances their vibrant copper and red pigmentation. Insufficient light causes leggy growth and a loss of the plant’s distinctive coloration.
Watering practices are important to prevent issues like root rot. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: thoroughly water the soil until excess drains, then allow it to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering, especially during dormancy, can be detrimental as these succulents store water in their leaves.
Well-draining soil is important for the health of Copper Rose succulents. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, provides aeration and drainage. For Aeoniums, a sandy loam or regular potting mix might be preferred over a gritty cactus mix, as they need some moisture retention. Repotting every two to three years with fresh soil maintains plant vigor.
Temperature and humidity are important for their well-being. Aeonium ‘Bronze Medal’ prefers cooler temperatures, ideally 65-75°F (18-24°C), and goes dormant in hot, dry weather. Echeveria multicaulis thrives in temperatures between 50-77°F (10-25°C) and tolerates average household humidity. Both types prefer dry environments and should be protected from hard frosts.
Fertilizing should be done sparingly, during their active growing season. For Aeonium ‘Bronze Medal’, feeding every two weeks with a liquid seaweed feed from April to September enhances growth and color. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth rather than robust rosettes.
Both Aeonium and Echeveria varieties exhibit dormancy. Aeoniums are winter growers and enter a summer dormancy, requiring minimal water and possibly curling leaves to conserve moisture. Echeveria also benefits from reduced watering during winter dormancy.
Propagating Copper Rose Succulent
Propagating Copper Rose succulents is best done through stem cuttings. This method is reliable for both Aeonium and Echeveria types. Select a healthy stem with a rosette at least 4-6 inches long.
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Allow the cutting to dry and form a callus over the cut end for 2-7 days in a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. This callusing prevents rot once planted.
Once callused, plant the cutting in well-draining soil, burying about half the stem. A mix of succulent soil and perlite works well for drainage. Place the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight and water sparingly until roots develop, which typically takes 2-6 weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Copper Rose succulents can experience leggy growth or a loss of vibrant color if they do not receive enough light. Moving the plant to a brighter location, ideally with full to partial sun exposure, can help restore its compact form and rich hues.
Soft, mushy leaves or stem rot are signs of overwatering. This results from consistently wet soil. To remedy this, reduce watering frequency, ensure the soil dries completely between waterings, and confirm the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Shriveled leaves indicate underwatering. While these succulents are drought-tolerant, prolonged lack of water causes leaves to shrivel. A thorough watering using the “soak and dry” method should rehydrate the plant and plump up the leaves.
Pests like mealybugs and aphids affect Copper Rose succulents. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony masses, often in leaf axils or on undersides of leaves. Aphids can cause distorted new growth. Small infestations can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, while severe cases may require a gentle organic insecticidal soap, testing on a small area first.