Coprosma sp. – The mirror plant, a bonsai with a luminous charm
A 7-year-old bonsai native to New Zealand, suitable for both indoor cultivation and outdoor growing in frost-free areas. Coprosma, known as the Mirror Plant or Taupata, captivates with its oval, thick, brilliantly green leaves and its subtle flowering of small white flowers. A fast-growing species, ideal for anyone seeking a bonsai with a neat, lively appearance all year round.
📌 Important notes: The shape and dimensions of the bonsai are approximate (including the pot). The colour and shape of the pot may differ from the photographs. As these are living plants, their appearance changes with the seasons; the images are therefore purely illustrative and do not constitute a contractual obligation.
Main features
-
Habitat: Indoor / Outdoor (frost-free)
-
Leaf type: Evergreen
-
Flowers: Yes – small white flowers
-
Family: Rubiaceae
-
Approximate dimensions (width × depth × height): 22 × 20 × 28 cm
-
Pot size: Under 16 cm
Interesting facts
Coprosma is known worldwide as the “mirror plant”: its leaves are so glossy that they look like actual reflective surfaces. This distinctive feature makes it unique and immediately recognisable among the thousands of species cultivated as bonsai.
Position
Coprosma needs plenty of light to display its characteristic glossy foliage at its best. Indoors, place it near a window, no more than 50 cm from the glass. Outdoors, during favourable seasons, choose a partially shaded position, avoiding direct exposure to intense summer sun to protect the leaves from scorching.
Watering
Moderate: water when the top 1.5 cm of substrate begins to dry out. It does not tolerate waterlogging – using a well-draining substrate is essential.
Fertilisation
From spring to mid-autumn, use the Hiryo Gold organo-mineral fertiliser or the fast-acting Nutribonsai fertiliser.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years, at the beginning of spring, just before vegetative growth resumes. After repotting, watering with Mistral Bonsai’s Vitabonsai revitaliser is recommended to speed up the plant’s recovery.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets the plant’s water and nutrient requirements, promoting root development and overall vigour. Alternatively: 60% Kiryuzuna + 40% Akadama, which promotes growth but requires more frequent watering.
Pruning
Structural pruning should be carried out in late winter, before spring vegetative growth resumes.
Pinching
Throughout the growing season: pinch out new outer shoots to obtain a denser canopy, encourage air circulation and light penetration between the branches, and maintain the bonsai’s shape.
Wiring
Due to its morphological characteristics, Coprosma generally does not require wiring. If necessary, the best time is just before spring vegetative growth resumes.
