Sunday, August 21, 2011

Ceylon Firedragon - Acalypha wilkesiana

Tropical evergreen shrub (in hot climates), widely cultivated for its beautiful rounded, copper-brown leaves with white to pink margins.Bears green or copper colored kitten-like clusters periodically throughout the year . A colorful addition to any sunny garden. Often used in place of annual flowers for its colorful foliage leaves up to 8 inches. Excellent for use in well-drained containers.

Taxonamy:
Regnum: Plantae

Cladus: Angiosperms 
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Eudicots base 
Cladus: rosids
Cladus: I Euro
SIDAOrdo: Malpighiales
Familia: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamilia: Acalyphoideae 
Tribes: Acalypheae 
Genus: Acalypha 
Species: Acalypha wilkesiana

Most widespread in Brazil, Acalypha wilkesiana is valued for its foliage and jagged edges sharp tone copper brown, marked with pink spots, white or black, up to 15 cm long and produces small flowers.
Acalypha wilkesiana endorsements macafeana has leaves, red, mottled in shades of red, bronze and black.
The leaves of all species need large amount of light and can be grown in full sun in fertile soil, rich in organic matter. But the direct sunlight, especially at midday, to dry. They also need plenty of moisture and protection against cold, measures to ensure good growth.
The spring and summer 
Renew ships between August and October, using organic compost. If plants are too large for a complete replanting, remove only 5 cm of topsoil and replace it with a new compound. Regular watering, keeping the humidity high, appear to be essential: otherwise the plant will lose their leaves will dehydrate and die.

In summer, Acalifas as much light and temperatures of minus 21 ° C. However, away from direct sunlight and ensure that the night temperature drops below 15 ° C. In the absence of a copy of the light can be "herringbone" not lose colorful flowers. Fertilize every two weeks with a good quality fertilizer, which contributes greatly to the development of the plant.
Fall and Winter
Cut ears faded. If the plant is too large, it can, taking half of what each company has grown this year. If you want plants, no thinning bored. In the fall, reduce watering, keep the soil slightly moist. Protect the plant with clear plastic if the temperature stays below 15 ° C.

Spill 

In spring, remove the branches with a chipped edge, making long branch cuttings (12-15 cm). In a mixture of sand and common at 26 ° C, leaving the square root, with plastic covers. The following year, should flourish.

Problems and Solutions 

The Acalifas are easy to grow and as long as you protect them in winter, no problem. If the leaves begin to fall, check the moisture of the ship and the environment. His worst enemies are tiny red mites, which appear when the air is very dry. The mites attack the lower leaves and form a thin web. If nothing is done, completely change the appearance of the plant. Use a miticide and summer, water the plant daily.

1 comment:

  1. nice look throughout the year here in HORT TRAINING INST,ARUSHA; TANZANIA

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