Marble Queen Mirror Plant Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen' (m/v)
ABOUT
The Marble Queen variety of the Mirror Plant is a strikingly beautiful plant known for its attractive foliage. The leaves are its most distinguished feature, characterized by a glossy, mirror-like sheen that catches the light, hence the name "Mirror Plant." Each leaf is a blend of green and creamy white, with variegation that can look marbled, giving the 'Marble Queen' its name. The leaves are often oval-shaped and come to a soft point at the end. As the plant matures, the contrast between the green and white on the leaves becomes more pronounced, creating a dazzling visual effect. The foliage can become dense, providing a lush appearance. The stems of the Mirror Plant 'Marble Queen' are also worth noting, as they can sometimes carry a hint of the variegation found in the leaves, although to a lesser extent. Overall, the Marble Queen Mirror Plant is prized for its decorative leaves, which can brighten up indoor spaces or add allure to outdoor gardens in suitable climates. Even without referencing its size, it's clear that the plant's beauty lies in its distinctive, variegated foliage that makes it a popular choice for both plant enthusiasts and those looking to add a touch of elegance to their plant collection.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rubiaceae.
Synonyms
Mirror Plant, Looking-glass Plant, Marble Queen.
Common names
Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen'
ToxicityTo humans
Mirror plant is not widely regarded as a highly toxic plant to humans; however, it is not considered edible and ingestion may cause discomfort or mild symptoms. If ingested, it might provoke symptoms like gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. As with any non-food plant, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of children who might accidentally consume it, and to consult a medical professional if ingestion does occur and symptoms present themselves.
To pets
Mirror plant is considered to be of low toxicity to pets, but it is not meant for consumption. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which can include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It's always a good practice to prevent pets from chewing on household plants as a precaution and consult with a veterinarian if your pet has ingested any part of the plant and exhibits signs of distress.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Coprosma 'Marble Queen' has glossy leaves with a distinctive marbled pattern of green and white, providing year-round visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and can tolerate a wide range of conditions once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in dryer regions or where water conservation is important.
- Salt Tolerance: Coprosma 'Marble Queen' can withstand salt spray, making it ideal for coastal and seaside plantings.
- Wind Resistance: Its sturdy nature allows it to cope well with windy conditions, which is particularly beneficial in exposed or coastal gardens.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscaping applications including hedging, specimen planting, or even as a potted feature.
- Wildlife Attraction: The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and insects, while the berries that may form can offer a food source for wildlife.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as they provide good drainage.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen shrub, it provides color and structure throughout all seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen', also known as Mirror Plant, can be used in vivariums and terrariums, providing a lush, variegated background for a variety of reptiles and amphibians due to its tolerance for varying light levels and humidity.
- As an artistic medium, its variegated leaves can be used to create natural, living mosaics in gardens, playing with the light reflection properties of the foliage.
- The dense growth habit of Mirror Plant makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or green walls in urban environments.
- The tough, glossy leaves of the plant can be used in floral arrangements to add an exotic touch and a long-lasting green element.
- Mirror Plant can be employed in garden design to create patterns or borders, with its distinctive foliage contrasting well against darker green plants or lawns.
- Its salt tolerance makes it ideal for seaside-themed garden designs or planting in coastal areas where many other ornamental plants might struggle.
- The stems of Mirror Plant can be used in crafts, such as wreath-making, adding structural integrity and a unique look with their variegated leaves.
- Due to its robust nature, this plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about propagation techniques, cuttings, and plant care basics.
- It can serve as a natural windbreak in gardens or small farms, especially in coastal areas where wind erosion can be a challenge.
- Mirror Plant can be used in fashion, where its leaves might inspire textile patterns or be incorporated into the design of eco-friendly garments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mirror plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mirror plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen', commonly known as the Mirror Plant, has a hardy nature which symbolizes the ability to endure and thrive in diverse conditions.
- Adaptability: The Mirror Plant's ability to adapt to different environments, including indoor settings, makes it a symbol of flexibility and the ability to prosper in various circumstances.
- Reflection: With its glossy leaves that have a mirror-like surface, the Mirror Plant is often associated with reflection, representing self-examination and personal insight.
- Growth: As a plant that can grow vigorously, the Mirror Plant symbolizes continuous growth and development in a person's life.
WaterThe Mirror Bush should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Typically, this might mean watering once a week but it can vary depending on environmental conditions. Provide enough water to moisten the soil throughout the pot but avoid waterlogging. The exact amount will depend on the size of the plant and pot, but for an average-sized plant, approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water should be enough to hydrate the soil without causing excess moisture.
LightThe Mirror Bush thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but prolonged exposure may cause leaf scorch. A spot near an east or west-facing window where it receives gentle morning or afternoon sun would be ideal for the plant's growth and vibrant foliage coloration.
TemperatureThe Mirror Bush prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as the cold can damage the plant. It can survive temporarily in slightly higher temperatures but should not be exposed to extreme heat for long periods.
PruningPrune the Mirror Bush to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer to allow the plant to recover and grow throughout the season. Light pruning can be performed as needed throughout the year, but avoid heavy pruning as this can stress the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Mirror Plant 'Marble Queen' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a peat-based component to retain slight moisture. A combination of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part general potting mix is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Mirror Plant 'Marble Queen' should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a pot that is one size larger than the current one to provide sufficient space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Mirror Plant 'Marble Queen' thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions, ideally between 50-75%. If indoor air is dry, use a humidifier or place the plant on a water-filled pebble tray to increase humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mirror Plant in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
In partial shade to full sun, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleCoprosma repens 'Marble Queen', commonly known as Marble Queen Mirror Bush, begins its life cycle with seed germination under favorable conditions of light and temperature. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic variegated leaves that show marble-like patterns of green and white. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it grows and matures, producing a dense, bushy form through branching and foliage. Once mature, it may produce small, inconspicuous flowers followed by non-distinctive fruits which are generally more prominent in species-type Coprosma repens. Propagation in cultivation is often through cuttings, ensuring the variegation pattern of 'Marble Queen' is maintained. Throughout its life, Marble Queen Mirror Bush requires pruning to encourage bushiness and to maintain a manageable size, and as an evergreen, it retains its leaves throughout the year unless affected by stress or old age.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen', commonly known as Mirror Bush, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically occurs in the summer months when the plant's growth is robust. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length from a healthy part of the plant, ideally with several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting the cutting. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimated to less humid conditions before eventual repotting or planting out.
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