Shining Coprosma Plant Care
Coprosma lucida J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Coprosma lucida, commonly known as shining karamū, karamū, kāramuramu, shiny karamū, or kakaramu, is a shrub or tree endemic to New Zealand.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Shining Coprosma?
Plant Shining Coprosma 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.
Where Is the Shining Coprosma Native To?
What Is the Shining Coprosma?
Shining Coprosma (Coprosma lucida) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Coprosma genus. Shining Coprosma is native to New Zealand. Shining Coprosma is also known as Mirror Plant, Coprosma.
Shining Coprosma displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Shining Coprosma produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shining Coprosma?
Water a young or newly planted Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma Need?
Shining Coprosma thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Shining Coprosma in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shining Coprosma Prefer?
Coprosma lucida tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Shining Coprosma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shining Coprosma?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Shining Coprosma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shining Coprosma?
Feed Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma?
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.
Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma?
Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma?
Prune Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma in Winter?
Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma?
Shining Coprosma can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender coprosma plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shining Coprosma Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shining Coprosma, 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 Shining Coprosma?
Shining Coprosma 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 Shining Coprosma Need?
Shining Coprosma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Shining Coprosma is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Shining Coprosma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Shining Coprosma 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.
Shining Coprosma 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 lucida J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., family Rubiaceae (first published in Char. Gen. Pl. 69. 1775 [29 Nov 1775]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shining Coprosma, 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.
