Mirror Plant Plant Care
Coprosma nitida Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Coprosma nitida, the mountain currant or shining currant, is a shrub species endemic to south-east Australia. It is a shrub with small, glossy leaves, occasional spines on the end of its branchlets, and small bright red-orange fruits.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mirror Plant?
Plant Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant Native To?
What Is the Mirror Plant?
Mirror Plant (Coprosma nitida) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Coprosma genus. Mirror Plant is native to south-east Australia. Mirror Plant is also known as Shining Coprosma.
Mirror Plant displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Mirror Plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mirror Plant?
Water a young or newly planted Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant Need?
Mirror Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mirror Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mirror Plant Prefer?
Coprosma nitida tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Mirror Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mirror Plant?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Mirror Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mirror Plant?
Feed Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant?
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.
Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant?
Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant?
Prune Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant in Winter?
Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant?
Mirror Plant can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender coprosma plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mirror Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mirror Plant, 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 Mirror Plant?
Mirror Plant 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 Mirror Plant Need?
Mirror Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mirror Plant is native to south-east Australia. In cooler regions, grow Mirror Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mirror Plant 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.
Mirror Plant 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 nitida Hook.f., family Rubiaceae (first published in London J. Bot. 6: 465 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mirror Plant, 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.
