Acalypha

Acalypha room - family. Euphorbiaceae.

Origin. Island of Java and New Guinea. 

Description. Acalypha is a semi-lignified shrub with a height of 50 cm to 3 m. There are ampelous species. The color of the leaves of indoor acalypha is very diverse, and the long fluffy inflorescences are decorative. Needs moderate watering. Very photophilous. The color of the leaves varies greatly among different varieties of this plant - from copper-red to green with veins bordered with pink, red, bronze, and purple. These bright, hairy leaves can grow up to 13 cm in length, often with a finely toothed edge. The plant develops quickly and will grow into a large bush without proper pruning. A drooping, spike-shaped inflorescence up to 50 cm bears very small flowers. Flowering is almost continuous. The fruit is a capsule.

Height. Up to 1.8 m, if not trimmed.

Caring for acalypha at home

Propagation

In early spring, apical semi-lignified cuttings 8 cm long are planted in soil consisting of coarse sand and peat in equal parts. Maintain the air temperature around 24 ° C. Rooting occurs quite quickly - in about 2 weeks, without any particular difficulties, even in a glass of water. Acalypha takes root well in peat tablets with bottom heating and root treatment. 

Care

Keep the plant compact by pruning to about half height in the spring. If the flower has lost its shape, you need to get rid of it. The bushes can be moved outside during the summer months, but the plants should be given time to acclimatize to the new conditions. In winter, when the central heating is on, acalypha loses some of its leaves - do not place plants near radiators. Rotate the pot 1/4 turn every week to prevent the plant from reaching towards the light source.

When acalypha blooms 

In good conditions, the plant can bloom all year round.

Soil 

A mixture of turf, leaf and humus soil with peat and sand.

Containment temperature

Acalypha is thermophilic - average temperature 18 - 27 °C, in winter - not lower than 18 °C; tolerates temporary decrease to 16 °C.

Transplantation of acalypha 

As needed - when the roots fill the pot. It is better not to replant adult plants, but to replace the top layer of soil in the pot.

Lighting

Bright, diffused light is necessary for intense coloration of leaves. It is afraid of direct sun; if it is not shaded on a summer day, brown spots may appear on the leaves. In conditions of insufficient lighting, the plant stretches out and becomes loose - the bush can be artificially illuminated.

Fertilizer for acalypha in a pot

Fertilizing is carried out every 2 weeks from spring to autumn with liquid fertilizer at half concentration. Organic and mineral fertilizers with microelements in the form of watering or spraying on the leaves; Slowly soluble forms of fertilizer are added to the soil mixture. 

Spraying

Air humidity is moderate or high (above 50%). Use a humidifier or tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity. The plant does not like drafts. You can spray only in the morning - so that the moisture dries before dusk. 

Watering acalypha

Abundant watering all year round, especially in summer, when the soil dries out faster. Too wet soil causes the plant to weaken. For watering, use only warm water - slightly above room temperature. Acalypha does not tolerate hypothermia of roots.

Pests and diseases

If you see any signs of pests, such as dull green leaves with tiny brown spots, you should isolate the plant and begin treatment immediately. Maintaining the required air humidity prevents the proliferation of pests. Leaves reduce turgor when the soil dries out. When changing conditions, acalypha may shed its leaves - accustom it to all changes gradually. The tips of the leaves turn brown and dry out when there is insufficient air humidity.

Acalypha growing indoors can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and scale insects.

Note

There are cultivated forms of the plant with white inflorescences. The older the acalypha, the longer its “fox tails” will be and the longer the flowering period. Acalypha is a poisonous plant.

Hydroponics

It is possible to use the hydroponic method.

Types:

Acalypha hispida

A small indoor plant with dark green, thin leaves covered with branched veins. The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth. It has abundant and long-lasting flowering. The flowers are collected in long (up to 45 cm) dark pink or red “earrings”.

Acalypha wilkesiana

     Unlike the previous species, Wilks' acalypha should be classified more as an ornamental foliage plant, since flowering is not of particular interest. The leaves of Wilks's acalypha have burgundy or red hues and often have contrasting speckles. Young shoots and leaf blades are covered with sparse pubescence.