Capa de obispo

Capa de obispo Care

Acalypha wilkesiana

What is the plant

Acalypha wilkesiana, common names copperleaf and Jacob’s coat, is an evergreen shrub. It has a closely arranged crown, with an erect stem and many branches. Both the branches and the leaves are covered in fine hairs.

Acalypha wilkesiana is an evergreen shrub which can grow to 1.8m (6 feet) tall. The stem is erect with many branches. The branches have fine hairs. It has a closely arranged crown. Its pointed oval leaves which are about 12cm (5 inch) long and 5cm (2 inch) wide, are coppery green, mottled and streaked with copper, red and purple. The leaves are finely hairy. They can be flat or crinkled. The flowers are reddish in spikes at the end of branches. They have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are in long spikes which hang downwards while the female flowers are in short spikes. They do not show up easily as they are often hidden among the leaves.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

10b - 13

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
During the active growth period water plentifully as often as necessary to keep the potting mixture thoroughly moist, but never let the pot stand in water. During the winter rest period water only enough to keep the mixture from drying out.
Fertilizer
Apply a standard liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the active growth period only.
Sunlight
Acalypha wilkesiana plants need plenty of warmth and light. In inadequate light they tend to become spindly and they will lose much of the leaf colouration that makes these plants so attractive.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Use a soil-based potting mixture.
Temperature
Warmth is essential. Even during the winter rest period the temperature should not be permitted to fall below 16°C (61°F). Acalypha wilkesiana will thrive in temperatures as high as 27°C (81°F).
Container
Choose a container with enough drainage holes. But because they are particularly sensitive to dry air, the potted plants must be set on trays of moist pebbles or damp peat moss throughout the year.