Acalypha Wilkesiana — Copperleaf Plant

santhi santhi
5 min readOct 12, 2023

Acalypha Wilkesiana — Copperleaf Plant

Acalypha Wilkesiana is the ornamental shrub and it is commonly called copperleaf or Jacob’s coat. It is an evergreen perennial ornamental shrub that can grow up to a height of 3 to 4 meters. The branches of the tree spread out in the pattern of a crown and have an erect stem.

Copperleaf plant

Acalypha Wilkesiana- Copperleaf plants give a stunning splash of colors to the landscape. Acalypha leaves are heart-shaped and in varying mottled combinations of green, yellow, orange, pink, or white, depending up on the cultivar.

Flower

The red, fuzzy, catkin-like flowers hang pendulously from leaf axils and are about 8 to 12 inches long. This plant produces both male & female flowers on a single plant.

Cultivars

  • Copperleaf Plant
  • Painted Copper Plant
  • Acalypha reptens
  • Acalypha macafeana
  • Kona gold
  • Jacob’s coat

Acalypha Wilkesiana — Copperleaf Plant

As the Copperleaf plant name represents leaves are multi-colored such as initially green & changing to pink, and orange grows long with red veins & flowers. This cultivar grows up to height of 10 to 12 feet in height.

Acalypha Wilkesiana — Painted Copper Plant

It is an evergreen perennial shrub with marvelous foliage. Leaves give a bright painted appearance on the matured leaves. Initially, the foliage looks green & it turns painted appearance after some days. And this plant grows up to 2–4 feet.

Acalypha reptens

This Acalypha reptans is commonly said as the Lance leaf copper plant low growing habit with ovate leaves & dwarf with serrated margins. Flowers are pinkish red with catkin’s long woolly tail-like flowers measuring about 7–8 cm long.

Acalypha macafeana

It is a very good tropical plant with pale green & dark green foliage. Leaves are large & stems have a thin, woody appearance. This plant grows as a perfect ornamental & contrast foliage houseplant.

Acalypha Kona gold

As the name represents Kona Gold has yellow, golden variegations over the leaf edges & plant has serrated margins.

The plant reaches up to the height of 12 tall.

Plant Management

Soil

Acalypha plant varieties love to grow in a wide range of well-drained soil or Coco peat potting mix. If the soil is not fertile apply any good organic manure over the soil at the right proportion.

Watering

Keep the soil moist evenly over the years, Acalypha plants love consistent moist but do not allow stagnant water over the growth medium.

Sunlight

These Acalypha plants are sun-loving plants that require lots of sunlight for about 5–6 hours. This plant also stand in partial shade.

Fertilizer

The application of phosphorus-rich bio-fertilizer helps to promote excellent root development. Young juvenile plants require more ‘Phosphorus content. The Steamed bone meal powder application in diluted form for about 2 months once around the plants results best.

Propagation

The Stem tip cuttings. Select the healthy stem from a matured mother plant. Just cut those stems & propagate them in a good soil medium or coco peat potting mix.

Pruning

The Acalypha plants are vigorous growers, To get a good plant appearance. Remember not to allow clusters of branches.

Plant placement

Acalypha cultivar thrives best outdoors with plant spacing of about 36 to 60 inches.

Plant Purposes

Landscaping: Acalypha wilkesiana is often used as an ornamental plant for landscaping and garden design. Its striking red, pink, or copper leaves add vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.

Flower arrangement: The brigh colored leaves are used in flower arrangements to add a pop of color.

Medicinal purposes: In some traditional medicine systems, the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana used to treat various ailments, including skin conditions and digestive problems.

Other Uses: Mass planting, border, live hedge, container plants & screening plants.

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