Copperleaf
acalypha wilkesiana
Also known as: ["Coralplant","Firecrest","Jacob’s Coat"]
Overview
Acalypha wilkesiana is a tropical shrub known for its striking, colorful foliage that varies in shades of red, pink, and green. It is often used in landscaping for its ornamental value.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Acalypha |
| Botanical Name: | Acalypha wilkesiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor sheltered garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth at a time to avoid shock.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; protect from intense afternoon sun, especially in summer; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid placing near east-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, fertile potting mix with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to cold drafts and frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; use a humidifier in dry environments.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer after watering to avoid root burn; stop feeding in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, remove lower leaves, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional root hormone application.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use softwood cuttings for best results; maintain high humidity to prevent wilting; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, cut just above a leaf node, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove leggy growth.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead growth, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting the foliage; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, and reduce watering to maintain soil warmth.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration despite adequate watering due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute correctly, water before feeding, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Acalypha wilkesiana. The plant's irritant properties can cause discomfort, but severe toxicity is uncommon. Cats are generally more sensitive to plant toxins, so monitoring is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Acalypha wilkesiana can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's irritant compounds may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening. Systemic effects are rare, and recovery is usually swift with supportive care.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcalypha wilkesiana contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Physiologically, the toxins primarily affect the digestive system, leading to discomfort but not severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Acalypha wilkesiana toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Acalypha wilkesiana?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Acalypha wilkesiana require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
