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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
2 m-3 m
Spread
:
2 m-3 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale pink
Size
:
10 cm - 20 cm
Period
:
May - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
On suitable sites, these shrubs create dense mounds of showy leaves while the flowers are
insignificant. Copper Leafs grow fairly fast to about 2.5 metres in height. The plant originates in
the islands of the southern Pacific, where it withstands a considerable amount of salinity and still
makes a lush tropical feature. High levels of humus and nitrogen are as important, as is frequent
irrigation without waterlogging. However, fertilisation should not be applied until the roots have
been established. Wind exposure and low humidity may result in burnt margins on the plant’s
main asset – its gorgeous coloured foliage. Hues in bronze, purple and red make these shrubs an
eye-catcher. Hardwood cuttings are the most common method for propagating the numerous
cultivars. In spring, they root easily in mixtures of peat and perlite under some shelter to retain
humidity. Varieties differ in the colour and shape of their foliage. To achieve a bushy shape, the
tips of young plants should be pinched occasionally. In winter, they do well with less water. A
range from full sun to partial shade is tolerated, but a lack of light makes the foliage colours fade.
They grow fast enough to sometimes act as annuals in colder climates. As indoor plants, Copper
Leafs develop better in soil-less potting mix that retains humidity yet drains well, and daily
misting should compensate the lack of high rainfall, as in their homelands. Grown indoors, they
are also susceptible to aphids, spider mites and scale insects.
38
Acalypha wilkesiana,
Euphorbiaceae
Copper Leaf