Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Copperleaf on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Copperleaf
Acalypha wilkesiana, commonly known as 'Match Me If You Can', is a vibrant tropical shrub renowned for its spectacularly colorful foliage. Its large, oval, and crinkled leaves display a dazzling mix of reds, coppers, greens, and purples, often with variegated patterns or blotches. This plant is ideal for adding an intense splash of color in tropical gardens, as an ornamental hedge, or in large pots on sunny patios.
Native range
South Pacific Islands
Care tips
This plant requires full sun to partial shade to develop its best coloration; insufficient light will result in less vibrant leaves. Watering should be regular and abundant, keeping the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm months. It prefers rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic soils. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to leaf drop and spider mite infestations; mist its leaves regularly or place it near a humidifier.
How to save a dying Copperleaf
- Warning signs
- Wilting or drooping leaves, widespread yellowing, loss of foliage color. If leaves drop or become crispy, it's dehydration.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, aerate and drain. Move to partial shade if in direct sun.
- What kills it
- Prolonged dryness, lack of humidity, or exposure to cold drafts. Also, constant waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's quite resilient. Act quickly at the first signs, especially with watering and humidity.