Coprosma Plant Care
Coprosmanthus herbaceus (L.) Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Smilax herbacea is a perennial, herbaceous climbing vine in the family of Smilacaceae. It is native to eastern North America, including parts of eastern Canada and the eastern United States.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Coprosma?
Water Coprosma every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Coprosma Native To?
What Is the Coprosma?
Coprosma (Coprosmanthus herbaceus) belongs to the Smilacaceae family within the Coprosmanthus genus. Coprosma is native to eastern North America, including parts of eastern Canada and the eastern United States.
Coprosma displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Coprosma produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Coprosma?
Coprosmanthus herbaceus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Coprosma Need?
Coprosma thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing 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 Coprosma Prefer?
Coprosmanthus herbaceus grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Coprosma prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coprosma?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Coprosma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Coprosma?
Feed Coprosma every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Coprosma?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Coprosma?
Coprosma can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Coprosma Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Coprosma?
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 Coprosma Need?
Coprosma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Coprosma is native to eastern North America, including parts of eastern Canada and the eastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Coprosma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
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 Coprosmanthus genus (family Smilacaceae) — search all Coprosmanthus species in the plant lookup.
Coprosma thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Coprosmanthus herbaceus (L.) Kunth, family Smilacaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. 5: 265 (1850)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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 13b, 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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