Acalypha Wilkesiana is a beautiful shrub that goes by its common name copperleaf and Jacob’s coat. The plant is native to Fiji, and has beautifully coloured red leaves. The evergreen shrub can grow to an impressive height of 3 metres. The branches of the tree spread out in the pattern of a crown and have an erect stem. The leaves themselves are round with crinkled edges and are covered in fine hairs.
The coppery green leaves will add to the beauty of your garden, and most people like to plant them along their walls. The plant also bears both male and female flowers on a single plant itself. The speciality of the plant is its leaves which come in combinations of green, purple, yellow, orange, copper, crimson, pink, or white.
Taking care of the Acalypha Wilkesiana is super easy. It doesn’t have a lot of demands and can thrive well in almost all types of soil. Additionally, regular pruning of leaves may result in dense growth that occurs rapidly. They are super easy to maintain and only require to be fertilised occasionally. The plant is ideal for beginners and gardeners who cannot spare a lot of time looking after their plants.
Source: Pinterest
Acalypha Wilkesiana: Key facts
| Name | Acalypha Wilkesiana |
| Type | Shrub |
| Soil requirements | Fertile and well-drained |
| Temperature | 25-30°C |
| Sunlight | Direct sunlight |
| Water requirements | Moderate |
| Season | All year |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Placement | Along walls, pillars, or any supportive structure |
| Height | 3 feet |
| Fertiliser | 10-10-10 granular fertiliser or liquid fertilisers |
What is another name for an Acalypha Wilkesiana?
Acalypha Wilkesiana is commonly referred to as Copperleaf, which clearly describes its showy, coppery foliage. The plant has several other common names such as Beefsteak plant, Fijian fire plant, Fire bush and Jacob’s coat.
How tall does Acalypha Wilkesiana grow?
Acalypha Wilkesiana shows a medium growth rate and can grow up to a height of 3 to 4 feet within a couple of years.
What colour is Acalypha Wilkesiana?
Acalypha Wilkesiana is a beautiful ornamental plant renowned for its vibrant foliage with broad showy leaves growing in a variety of colours including brownish copper, yellow, golden, green, orange, pink and burgundy. On top of its showy foliage, the plant blooms in summers, producing beautiful golden yellow, red, burgundy, and green flowers.
Acalypha Wilkesiana: Uses
Ornamental uses
The Acalypha Wilkesiana plant is also a pretty useful plant. It is commonly used for decoration purposes and to add a splash of colour to gardens. They are also grown as ornamental hedges and as a natural fence to gardens. Additionally, they are kept in patios and balconies to make the place look colourful and fresh.
Medicinal uses
The plant also comes with a variety of medicinal properties and health benefits.
Acalypha Wilkesiana can be consumed and used to treat many illnesses like diarrhoea, infection, fever, ulcer, etc. Recent studies have shown that the plant has curative powers and can be used in medicines.
Source: Pinterest
Here are some of the top health benefits of the Acalypha Wilkesiana plant:-
- The Acalypha Wilkesiana plant has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Extracts from the plant are used in medicines, especially in Ayurveda, to create curative ointments for bruises, wounds, scrapes, etc.
- The plant has anti-inflammatory powers that can be beneficial for curing bloating, pain, appendix problems, etc.
- Acalypha Wilkesiana is popularly used for curing dysentery and diarrhoea in patients who are suffering from these problems.
- The plant is also used for curing or bringing down a fever in patients. They can be directly consumed or even applied extremely for the best effects.
- Extracts from the plant are used to cure fungal infections and dermatological problems.
- They can be used to regulate or rectify the uncertainty of menstrual cycles.
Acalypha Wilkesiana: Care tips
Acalypha Wilkesiana is a pretty low-maintenance plant. It grows well without much human interference and thrives even in the wild. All it requires is regular water and some well-drained soil. The plant is made for being completely outdoors, so plenty of sunlight is also a must for the Acalypha Wilkesiana plant.
Although the plant is great for beginners and doesn’t need much care, there are some things that you must keep in mind to make sure the plant grows well. To ensure the healthy overall growth of the plant, you need to follow certain directives that will help you.
Source: Pinterest
Here are some great care tips for the Acalypha Wilkesiana plant that will help you grow them faster:-
- Always prune the plant after 6 months to ensure healthy growth of branches and leaves.
- Use well-drained soil and add perlite if necessary.
- Do not allow water to collect and become stagnant around the roots.
- Add liquid fertilisers every 2 months for faster and steadier growth.
- Water the plant when the top soil looks dry. Avoid watering them frequently during the rains.
- Try to use 10-10-10 granular fertiliser in the spring season.
- The plant is intolerant to frost, so make sure they are not left out in extremely cold weather.
FAQs
Where is Acalypha Wilkesiana found?
Acalypha Wilkesiana is native to Fiji. However, it is also commonly found in tropical climates.
Can you grow Acalypha Wilkesiana at home?
Yes, it is possible to grow Acalypha Wilkesiana at home. Many people grow them along walls and patios. You will need well-drained soil with plenty of water and sunlight for the best growth.
How to take care of Acalypha Wilkesiana?
To ensure the healthy growth of your Acalypha Wilkesiana plant, you need to plant it in the ground and make sure the soil drains well. Additionally, fertilise it from time to time and prune them for better growth.
What is the best fertiliser for Acalypha Wilkesiana?
The best fertilisers for the Acalypha Wilkesiana include 10-10-10 granular fertilisers and liquid fertilisers. You can use liquid seaweed fertiliser mixed with water.
Housing News Desk is the news desk of leading online real estate portal, Housing.com. Housing News Desk focuses on a variety of topics such as real estate laws, taxes, current news, property trends, home loans, rentals, décor, green homes, home improvement, etc. The main objective of the news desk, is to cover the real estate sector from the perspective of providing information that is useful to the end-user.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/housing.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing
Email: [email protected]
Related Posts
Small home garden: Tips for designing a small garden for the house.
Gomphrena Globosa: A Stunning Annual Flower for Your Garden.
Frangipani: How to grow and care for it?.
Borassus flabellifer: The perfect palm for your landscape!.
Soil Erosion: Causes, impact and prevention.
Agave Americana: Maintenance Tips and Vastu Benefits for Plant.
