Acalypha

Gender Acalypha bristle-haired (Acalypha) includes more than 400 species of plants-shrubs, less often herbaceous perennials with decorative variegated leaves and small flowers collected in inflorescences. Acalypha (Acalypha hispida) is an evergreen species that can reach 3 m in height in nature and 80 cm at home. Pointed-oval leaves with a finely toothed edge grow to a length of 13 cm. The species is dioecious (either only female or only male flowers are formed on one plant). Female specimens are grown with long drooping fluffy catkins up to 40 cm long from numerous small bright red flowers. There are also known varieties with pinkish-white flowers and hybrids of acalypha bristle-haired and acalypha Godsefa (A. godsefiana), the latter is a species with yellow flowers and variegated leaves. Acalypha A. wilkesiana is a species that grows up to 50 cm at home and up to 1.5 m in nature, with oval-pointed leaves with an orange-red or pink pattern. Inflorescences are not as lush as those of acalypha bristle-haired.

Gender Acalypha bristle-haired (Acalypha) includes more than 400 species of plants-shrubs, less often herbaceous perennials with decorative variegated leaves and small flowers collected in inflorescences.

Acalypha (Acalypha hispida) is an evergreen species that can reach 3 m in height in nature and 80 cm at home. Pointed-oval leaves with a finely toothed edge grow to a length of 13 cm. The species is dioecious (either only female or only male flowers are formed on one plant). Female specimens are grown with long drooping fluffy catkins up to 40 cm long from numerous small bright red flowers. There are also known varieties with pinkish-white flowers and hybrids of acalypha bristle-haired and acalypha Godsefa (A. godsefiana), the latter is a species with yellow flowers and variegated leaves.

Acalypha A. wilkesiana is a species that grows up to 50 cm at home and up to 1.5 m in nature, with oval-pointed leaves with an orange-red or pink pattern. Inflorescences are not as lush as those of acalypha bristle-haired.

Cultivation

Acalypha cultivated primarily as a houseplant in pots. In the summer, it is recommended to expose it to the open air at partial shade, and in September take it back to the house. It can also be grown in the garden, but only as an annual, or dug out in late September and October and put in a pot. Keep on a bright window, shading from bright sunlight, often sprayed. When transplanting, thin long shoots are pruned. For potting, the soil rich in organic matter with the addition of river sand is suitable. Usually, turf and leafy land is mixed (1:1), rotted manure and sand are introduced. When growing in the garden, use fertile, well-drained soil.

Location

It is preferable to keep the plants in a place with diffused light. Only acalypha Wilkes's tolerates limited amounts of direct sunlight.

Temperature

The minimum winter temperature is 15-16 °C. If the plant is placed in partial shade and the relative humidity is high, then acalypha can easily withstand elevated temperatures.

Watering

Water frequently to keep the soil in the garden or pot moist. If the air temperature is very high (28 °C), spray the plant and the surrounding air with water to maintain high humidity.

Transplant

Transplanted into a new pot usually in the spring, using the same soil as for growing.

Reproduction

Propagate in March with semi-woody shoots in a warm place. Cuttings are planted in a mixture of peat and agroperlite. The temperature is maintained at 20-22 °C. Adult plants can be propagated by air layers in spring in sphagnum, keeping it moist. The new plant is cut off in late winter and early spring.

Diseases

Leaf spots can be caused by certain fungal infections, but this rarely requires special treatment. If the disease develops successfully, fungicides based on tsineba are used. The leaves can be detected in galls (swellings) that are caused by insect bites. It is sufficient to remove the damaged parts. To cope with oidium, which manifests itself in the form of powdery spots on the leaves, it is useful to treat with preparations based on sulfur or karatan.

Acquisition

Potted plants in the budding phase can be purchased at flower nurseries, gardening centers, and flower shops. Choose compact plants with glossy leaves, making sure that the stems are leafy even at the base.