The Kalanchoe orgyalis, widely known as the Copper Spoons plant, is a visually striking succulent valued for its unique foliage. Native to the dry, rocky soils of Madagascar, this slow-growing shrub is distinguished by leaves that fold upward from the middle, creating a distinctive spoon shape. The leaves are covered in fine, felt-like hairs, giving them a fuzzy texture and a rich, coppery-bronze color that earns the plant its common name. This captivating houseplant brings an exotic texture and metallic hue to any collection, thriving when its specific environmental needs are met.
Establishing the Ideal Environment
The Copper Spoons plant requires substantial light exposure to maintain its signature coloration and compact growth habit. It flourishes in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate a few hours of direct sun, especially morning light. Placing the plant near a south-facing or west-facing window is ideal, as insufficient light will cause the leaves to fade from copper to a duller gray-green. Intense, direct afternoon sun during the summer can scorch the fleshy leaves, so a sheer curtain is recommended to diffuse the strongest rays.
This succulent prefers warm conditions, ideally thriving between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C). It is not tolerant of cold temperatures and must be protected from frost, as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause significant damage or be fatal. Adequate air circulation is also important, as stagnant air can contribute to fungal issues, particularly when combined with high humidity.
Routine Care and Maintenance
The most significant aspect of caring for the Copper Spoons plant involves a conservative approach to watering. As a drought-tolerant succulent, it stores water in its leaves and stems and is highly susceptible to rot from excessive moisture. The best practice is the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering may occur every one to two weeks, depending on light and temperature. In the cooler winter months, the plant enters a period of reduced activity, requiring watering frequency to be significantly reduced, sometimes to once a month or longer. Signs of underwatering include shriveled leaves, while overwatering is indicated by soft, mushy, or discolored leaves, often leading to stem or root rot.
A fast-draining, gritty soil mix is necessary to prevent water retention around the roots. You can use a commercial cactus or succulent mix, or create a custom blend using two parts potting soil with one part coarse material like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. The pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing the roots from sitting in saturated conditions.
Repotting is typically only needed every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its container. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the old one and refresh the soil with a new, well-draining mix. Since the Copper Spoons is a slow grower, it has minimal feeding requirements. Fertilization is best done sparingly during the spring and summer growing season, using a balanced, diluted liquid succulent fertilizer once a month or every other month.
Expanding Your Collection Through Propagation
The Copper Spoons plant is propagated from both leaf cuttings and stem cuttings. Stem cuttings offer a quicker route to a new plant, requiring a segment approximately three to four inches long with the lower leaves removed. Leaf cuttings are also successful, but the entire leaf must be twisted cleanly from the main stem, ensuring no part is left behind.
The cut end must be allowed to dry for several days until a protective, hardened layer, known as a callus, forms. This callousing prevents the cutting from absorbing too much moisture and rotting when planted. Once the cuts are dry, plant the stem cutting upright or place the leaf cutting flat on the surface of a well-draining succulent mix.
The propagation medium should be kept lightly moist and placed in a brightly lit area away from harsh sun. Stem cuttings typically root within a few weeks. Leaf cuttings will first sprout tiny roots and then miniature plantlets from the callused end. The new plantlets can be separated and potted individually once they are a few inches tall and the original leaf has withered.
Addressing Common Growth Issues
A common problem with Kalanchoe orgyalis is etiolation, which occurs when the plant is not receiving enough light. This results in the plant stretching with elongated, weak stems and widely spaced leaves. The solution is to move the plant to a location with brighter light, such as a south-facing window, and prune the leggy growth to encourage a bushier, compact shape.
The most frequent cause of plant decline is overwatering, which quickly leads to root rot. Symptoms include the base of the stem or roots turning soft and brown, along with yellowing or mushy leaves. Treating root rot involves unpotting the plant, cutting away diseased roots, allowing the remaining healthy roots to dry for a day or two, and then repotting into fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Pests such as mealybugs and scale insects can infest the Copper Spoons plant. Mealybugs appear as small, cottony white masses, often found in the leaf axils. Scale insects are small, immobile bumps on the stems and leaves. These pests suck the sap from the plant and can be treated by physically removing them with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or by applying neem oil.