The Copper Spoons plant (Kalanchoe orgyalis) is a succulent known for its distinctive appearance. Its velvety, spoon-shaped leaves display a striking coppery-bronze hue on top, often with a silvery-gray underside. Native to Madagascar, its unique color and texture make it a popular choice for indoor collections or xeriscape designs. As a succulent, it stores water, contributing to its low-maintenance needs.
Caring for Your Copper Spoons Plant
Light Requirements
Copper Spoons plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight, which is essential for their characteristic coppery coloration. At least six hours of daily sunlight promotes robust growth and vibrant leaf hues. Insufficient light can cause leaves to fade to a peachy or silvery-green tone and may lead to leggy growth. Indoors, a south-facing window offers optimal light, but protect plants from intense afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf burn.
Watering Needs
As a drought-tolerant succulent, Copper Spoons plants store water in their fleshy leaves, requiring infrequent but thorough watering. Use the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to soft, mushy leaves or stems. During spring and summer, water every two to three weeks. In cooler months, reduce watering significantly, possibly to once a month or every six weeks.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is crucial for Copper Spoons plants, preventing water from lingering around the roots and causing rot. Use a commercial succulent or cactus potting mix, or amend regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand for enhanced drainage. Clay pots with drainage holes are also beneficial, promoting aeration and allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
Temperature and Humidity
Copper Spoons plants prefer moderate to warm temperatures, thriving between 60 to 85°F (16 to 29°C). They are not frost-tolerant; protect them from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as prolonged cold can damage leaves. Average indoor humidity is sufficient, as the plant tolerates dry air well and does not benefit from high humidity.
Fertilization
The Copper Spoons plant is a slow grower with modest fertilization needs. During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides essential nutrients for healthy foliage and root development. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter dormancy.
Propagating Copper Spoons Plant
Copper Spoons plants can be propagated using stem or leaf cuttings. For a stem cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a clean cut just above a leaf node with sterile scissors. Allow the cutting to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting to prevent rot.
For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy leaf from the main plant, ensuring the entire leaf is removed. Like stem cuttings, allow the leaf to callus for several days. Once calloused, plant the stem cutting directly into well-draining succulent soil, or lay the calloused leaf on top. Water sparingly until roots establish and new growth appears, which can take several weeks.
Addressing Common Issues
Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering frequently leads to root rot in Copper Spoons plants. Symptoms include soft, mushy leaves, yellowing foliage, or a rotting stem. To prevent this, always allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant, trim away rotted roots, and repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Lack of Variegation/Color Loss
Insufficient light causes Copper Spoons plants to lose their vibrant coppery hue, making leaves appear paler or silvery-green. To restore coloration, move the plant to a location with more bright, direct sunlight, ideally six or more hours daily. Gradually acclimate the plant to brighter light to prevent sunburn.
Pests
While generally resistant, Copper Spoons plants can occasionally attract common succulent pests like mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Regularly inspect the plant, especially where leaves join the stem and on undersides of foliage, for signs of infestation. Small infestations can be wiped off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or a neem oil solution can be used. Good air circulation also helps deter pests.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and widely spaced leaves, indicates insufficient light. To address this, move the Copper Spoons plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight. Pruning leggy stems encourages bushier, more compact growth. Trimmed sections can also be used for propagation.