Black Coprosma Plant Care

Black Coprosma (Coptosperma nigrescens) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Coptosperma genus. Black Coprosma is native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. Black Coprosma is also known as Nigrescens.

Black Coprosma displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Black Coprosma produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Black Coprosma every 7–10 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.

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

Coptosperma nigrescens tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Black Coprosma prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Black Coprosma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Black 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.

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

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Black Coprosma is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Black Coprosma can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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.

Prune Black 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.

Black Coprosma is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Black Coprosma can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to zygoon coprosma plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Black Coprosma is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Black Coprosma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Black Coprosma is native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Black Coprosma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.