Acalypha reptans is a plant in the genus Acalypha. It is native to tropical Africa and naturalized in other parts of Africa, as well as in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the Comoros, the Mascarene Islands, RĆ©union, the Society Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.Acalypha reptans also known as āRed Hot Cattailsā makes an eye-catching standard, where the central stem is trimmed clean of all leaves and flowers and left with a full crown on top.
Benefits:
The plant is used in traditional medicine in Africa for the treatment of various conditions, including snake bites, scorpion stings, and fevers.
How to care:
Acalypha reptans is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Bright indirect light in summer; 4 hours direct sun per day in winter. Plants won’t bloom without lots of sunlight.
Water requirement:
Acalypha reptans requires little water once established. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.. Give dwarf chenille plenty of water in summer. It’s a good idea to check the soil moisture every 2-3 days when the plant is growing and blooming.
Type of Soil:
The plant prefers well-drained soil.
Propagation:
Dwarf plant breeding can be combined in a basin of Chenille points, also can undertake cutting, shearing in spring season first robust branches, also can be in May to June collection was born healthy and full of branches as cuttings, cut each into 10 to 15 cm, to keep the top 2 to 3 pieces, remove the lower blade, inserted in the pure sand or vermiculite stone, pour enough water, avoid sun exposure, keep moist soil, air, after in not less than 20 ā environment, about 30 to 40 days.
Acalypha reptans can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Pest and Disease:
Acalypha reptans is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
Landscape use:
They areĀ good garden feature plants, for massed plantings and borders, and for containers. They can be used as indoor plants in bloom, but will need to be rested outdoors in dappled shade from time to time. Acalypha are hardy and adaptable plants when grown in a warm climate.