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The Copper leaf plant , botanically calledAcalypha wilkesiana[ak - uh - LY - fuh , wilk - see - AY - nuh ] , is an evergreen subtropic shrub .
This colorful Acalypha plant along with its cousin-german thechenille plantbelongs to Acalyphinae a subtribe of Euphorbiaceae ( a efflorescence plant metal money of the spurge family ) and native in Vanuatu and certain piece of the Pacific Island .
As the name suggest , copperleaf industrial plant develop coppery crimson foliation .
However , the vibrant shrub come up in many mixed bag with foliages in different colour – pinkish , white , and green .
The flora has two common figure as espouse :
Copper Plant Acalypha Care
The common name copper - leaf does not adequately describe this Acalypha , as It Is highly variable with some leaves showing shade of brown , crimson , orangish , livid or other scoring that are not copper .
In South Florida , It is commonly grown alfresco like a shrub . This tells you that it needs warmth and moisture .
Size and Growth
Tricolor Copper leaf plant are a tight - grow perennial , reaching 3′ to 5 ’ foot marvellous and 1′ to 2 ’ foundation wide .
When display to full sun or light partial shade , the industrial plant develops fully with vibrant rusty red leaf color .
Flowering and Fragrance
The flower colour of the repeated plant life is quite invisible in comparison to its acute , vibrant leaf color .
They are pale and spiky and thus pull in minuscule attraction . The male flowers are long and floppy than their distaff vis-a-vis .
Usually , the female flowers are little to the extent of being almost invisible .
Even though the works is beautiful to look at , it has a vicious mouthful and an unpleasant smell .
Light and Temperature
In South Florida Copper plants prefer direct sunlight or partial sun for their development .
Full , bright lightness help make the plant appear plentiful and alive .
The coppery works also thrives best indoors , in the areas with maximal sunshine .
Whether range indoors or outdoors , the growing temperature should be above 55 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 13 ° C ) .
In the USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 12 , the perennial plant spreads all summertime long .
Watering and Feeding
The evergreen plant shrub enjoys an environment with humidity to grow and bloom but is also drouth - tolerant .
During dry weather term , steady watering is take . to preclude the etymon system from withering .
Apart from consistent watering , the plant needs fertilizers for its healthy ontogeny .
Use a salutary balanced 10 - 10 - 10 farinaceous fertilizer in the give , summertime , and other downslope or a liquid food every two weeks during the get time of year .
However , ensure not to overwater the plant . Soggy soil often causes the plant to wilt .
Soil and Transplanting
This houseplant evolve considerably in fertile , constitutional soil . Make certain the grease is made up of a skilful amount of compost .
When leave with plentiful soil , copper plants spread quickly . Hence , transplanting them may become crucial .
Before transplantation , water the soil thoroughly to wind it off easily .
Grooming and Maintenance
fuzz works grow well in a container . Ideally , they require a pot twice the sizing of the rootball .
The plant develops bright leaves in direct sunshine .
When growing indoors , place it near a windowpane where it incur enough sunlight .
Also , make certain to protect the bush from abrasive wind .
Therefore , keep the plant life in a fond nicety position .
Since it is a fast - acquire shrub , it may need punishing pruning .
Prune the plant in late natural spring .
How to Propagate Acalypha Wilkesiana
generation of copper plants is ideally done through stem tip clipping .
abbreviate a small shoot of the plant and dip it in hormone rooting powder for two to three mo .
institute it in a crapper incorporate a mixture of peat and coarse sand .
Add in manure or compost to equilibrate the alimentation level .
Cover the sess with a plastic bag at 70 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 21 ° degree centigrade ) .
Remove the bag upon the mint of young growth .
Acalypha Wilkesiana Pests and Diseases
The copper plant life is vulnerable to many kinds of pests including mealy bug , and ruddy wanderer hint to name a few .
The leaves often become wan and pasty when mites attack the plant .
On the other hand , the plant suffers from growth retardation or fungal infections due to mealy bugs .
Protect the plant by removing all the damaged and discolored folio .
Apply a malathion resolution to prevent further harm .
If young leaves are green or colourless , move the plant to high-pitched lighting . If the plant becomes too great , fertilise less often .
NOTE : Sometimes citizenry think that such plant life as this with variegated foliage are Inherently pathologic or weak growth . With the variegated plants describe here , however , the coloring seems to be a natural placement for attract Insects to do the fertilizing of flowers where fragrance Is miss .
Copper Plant Acalypha Uses
This south pacific aboriginal plant is recognized mainly for their landscape use .
They function as a beautiful accent mark by the entry , around tall tree , and along a clean wall in the yard or garden .
They also raise the mantrap of driveways , walkway , porches , decks , and patio with their adorable presence .
The industrial plant also helps accentuate the indoor beauty with its vivid colour and features .
They look good paired with chenille plants .
