Copperleaf (Acalypha Wilkesiana)

Copperleaf (Acalypha Wilkesiana)

Botanical Name: Acalypha Wilkesiana

Also Known as:

• Acalypha Red
• Chenille Plant
• Red hot Cat’s Tail
• Jacob’s Coat

Acalypha Red plant is one of the most beautiful plants that can be grown in a garden. Name of the genus ‘Acalypha’ comes from the Ancient Greek word akalúphē which means nettle, due to the nettle-like aspect of the leaves. The common name copper-leaf does not adequately describe this Acalypha, as It Is highly variable with some leaves showing shades of brown, crimson, orange, white or other markings that are not copper.

Care and Growth: 

Soil: Moist, well-draining soil is going to be the best option for growing this plant.

Light: Bright light is essential for good leaf color. Put your plant where it’ll get plenty of light, but protect plant from hot midday sun, which may cause brown scorch marks on leaves. Filtered light from a south- or west-facing window will give it the light it needs.

Temperature: True to their tropical nature, Acalypha plants like to be kept in warm and humid conditions. It’s important to keep your plant away from any drafts or cold spots in your home—if at all possible, it should never be allowed to dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering: From the beginning of spring to autumn they are watered abundantly. In winter, watering is reduced, making sure that the soil does not dry out.

Fertilize: Use a good balanced 10-10-10 granular fertilizer in the spring, summer, and early fall or a liquid food every two weeks during the growing season.

(Flowering plants only blossom naturally in their respective seasons. Fruit-bearing plants only produce fruits naturally during their growing seasons. All plants are sold in generic nursery pots, and may naturally vary in colors/sizes from the exact images illustrated above.)