Plant in Focus: Acalypha

ACALYPHA 

Copperleaf, Chenille Plant, Red-Hot Cat’s Tail 

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Originally from New Guinea the Acalypha was introduced to greenhouse gardeners in 1896. These plants are grown for the interesting copper hue of the leaves or hanging 
flowers. The flowers are bright crimson, lack petals and hang down in long slender tassels. This plant has been considered a symbol of longevity. Info Source

Acalyphas are probably better known as an old fashioned plant. But their attributes show they are a much underrated and underused plant.

Acalyphas are grown for their wonderful coloured foliage – ranging from autumnal shades of copper, bronze and pink, to dark green, yellows, greens and reddish purples. 

Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands has one of the largest collections of acalyphas in the world. These plants belong to the Euphorbiaceae family, and there are more than 400 species in the acalypha genus ranging from ground covers to large shrubs. 

Some to look out for include:

• Acalypha godseffiana ‘Firestorm’. The leaves have pink margins which make it look attractive. Plant them in a group for an absolutely stunning look.

• Acalypha ‘Inferno’ will grow to about a metre, are easy to manage and also have interesting foliage.

• The newer dwarf varieties are also good for the garden. Look out for ‘Trendy’ and ‘Spitfire’. These grow well in the ground or try them in a pot or a hanging basket. Just trim them back to the size you want.

• And one that is different is Acalypha reptans sometimes sold under the cultivar name ‘Summer Love’. It reaches about 30cm and each plant spreads about the same distance. Grow it in a hanging basket or try it cascading over the side of a pot or a low stone wall. 

Propagating acalyphas is dead easy. Just take a tip cutting, but shorten the leaves – so that they don’t transpire and breathe out moisture. Don’t be too fussy with the leaves - just trim them off. Then dip the end of it into some honey, or vegemite and put it into some seed raising mix. Keep it moist and warm, and before long, you’ll have a new acalypha. 

The acalyphas that we filmed in the garden received no supplementary water during the drought, and yet despite that, only one died, the rest have survived well. 

Acalyphas are not prune to any diseases and are troubled by few pests. But the large succulent leaves are attractive to chewing insects such as grasshoppers. Control these pests by spraying a mixture of molasses and water. The stickiness keeps the insects away, or alternatively use a safe insecticide like pyrethrum. 

Acalyphas are tropical and subtropical plants, and so they need a warm frost free location, preferably sheltered from the wind. They like humus rich soil, and keep them well fed to ensure the foliage is lovely and lush. As well as a complete fertiliser in spring, add about a hundred grams of sulphate of potash in spring and autumn to help bring out the foliage colour even more. 

Acalyphas are versatile plants. Use them in pots, as mass planting and they also work well as a screening or hedging plant. The brightly coloured foliage of acalyphas gives a tropical feel to any warm climate garden. Info Source