Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...

My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 13 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.

This time I'd like to introduce you to Kirkie Pulchra Coppertone, the plant that awakened my love for Sansevieria.

What kind of plant is Sansevieria kirkii pulchracopatone?

It is now available in greater quantities than before, and can now be found in home improvement stores. It is often abbreviated to "Pulcra" or "Kilky Coppertone" on the shelves.

Detailed information cannot be found by searching online, and its native habitat is unknown.
Sansevieria itself is native to South Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.

It features brown leaf color, which is rare for Sansevieria.

The meaning of "Coppertone"

Some of you may have heard this phrase and thought, "Sounds familiar?"
That's right. It's the same name as the sunscreen!

It is an English word that combines copper and tone.
The name literally describes the copper-colored leaves in English.

Kirkii and Pulchra both mean "beautiful."

Cold is the enemy

Like all Sansevierias, Kirkie Coppertone cannot tolerate cold, and temperatures below 5°C are a danger sign.
In winter, I kept about three pots of plants with leaves about 40cm in size in a room where the temperature was below 5°C.
And... I had the experience of killing all three pots...

Plants exposed to cold do not gradually weaken, but rather wither rapidly, making them difficult to treat.
Once the plants have died, I try to take measures against the cold as early as possible.

Do you grow at your own pace?

If you don't water it properly during the growing season, it seems to grow slower than other sansevierias.
Although there is an image that it doesn't need to be watered much, it does need water during the growing season.

Growth was slow this year, so next year I plan to water it more and give it a light fertilizer frequently while watching it grow.

Plant Gachimeter

Finally, I'll give the Sansevieria kirkii pulchracopatone a score based on my very personal opinion.

・Ease of growing: 18 points. As long as you're careful about the cold, you'll be fine!
It is easy to grow as it does not require much watering.

Ease of shaping: 15 points. The leaves are quite hard. It is very difficult to change the shape.
When they grow in clusters, they look really cool.

・Growth rate: 16 points Watering and fertilizing during the growing season!?
If you want to grow them quickly and big, organic soil is probably best.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points - OK except for the cold!

・Likeability: 20 points The antique copper leaves are beautiful. A one-of-a-kind piece.

Total score: 87 points

 

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki Edited by: Kambara