Coprosma cordicarpa Plant Care

Coprosma cordicarpa J.Cantley, Sporck-Koehler & Chau

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Coprosma cordicarpa, known as pilo, is a species of plant endemic to the Hawaiian island of Maui. It is locally common in high-elevation dry forests and shrublands of leeward East Maui.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Coprosma cordicarpa?

Plant Coprosma cordicarpa in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Coprosma cordicarpa?

Coprosma cordicarpa (Coprosma cordicarpa) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Coprosma genus. Coprosma cordicarpa is native to the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Coprosma cordicarpa displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Coprosma cordicarpa produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Water a young or newly planted Coprosma cordicarpa every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Coprosma cordicarpa Need?

Coprosma cordicarpa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Coprosma cordicarpa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coprosma cordicarpa Prefer?

Coprosma cordicarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Coprosma cordicarpa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Coprosma cordicarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Feed Coprosma cordicarpa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coprosma cordicarpa is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Coprosma cordicarpa can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Prune Coprosma cordicarpa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Coprosma cordicarpa in Winter?

Coprosma cordicarpa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Coprosma cordicarpa?

Coprosma cordicarpa can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender coprosma plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Coprosma cordicarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Coprosma cordicarpa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Coprosma cordicarpa?

Coprosma cordicarpa is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Coprosma cordicarpa Need?

Coprosma cordicarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Coprosma cordicarpa is native to the Hawaiian island of Maui. In cooler regions, grow Coprosma cordicarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Coprosma cordicarpa is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Coprosma genus — compare its care with other Coprosma species on PlantoScan.

Coprosma is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.

Coprosma cordicarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Coprosma Species

Other Coprosma species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Coprosma cordicarpa J.Cantley, Sporck-Koehler & Chau, family Rubiaceae (first published in PhytoKeys 60: 37 (2016)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coprosma cordicarpa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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