Decorative akalifa is distinguished by its crimson color and oblong shape of inflorescences. With its unusual appearance and flowering, the ornamental shrub has acquired the popular name - foxtail flower. In some countries it is known as “fire cat tail” or simply “cats tails”. The beautiful name and exotic decorative appearance have won a special place in the hearts of flower growers around the world. If you also like this flower, then you should learn more about the features of growing it at home.
Briefly about care
| Type of agricultural operation for caring for akalifa | Description of conditions and actions |
| Watering and air humidity | abundant watering from spring to autumn, the flower is watered 2-3 times a week, in winter a little less often; Do not allow the soil to dry out |
| Lighting organization | diffused sunlight; Avoid exposure to direct sunlight |
| Maintaining a rest period | has no dormant period, but growth and flowering may be delayed in the winter months |
| Creating temperature conditions | stops growing at a temperature of 18 °C, the optimal temperature is from 18 to 25 °C. |
| Trimming | as needed; inflorescences and dry branches are removed |
| Making soil mixture | peat, sand, turf and leaf soil in equal proportions (1:1:1:1) |
| Fertilizer application | From March to August it is necessary to fertilize with a solution of complete mineral fertilizer |
| Transfer | young akalifa needs an annual transplant, an adult - once every 3-4 years |
| Chemical treatment | fungicides for fungal diseases and leaf spot; insecticides against spider mites, mealybugs. |
Possible problems
Flower growers classify akalifa as undemanding plants, but sometimes you may encounter certain problems when growing them. As a rule, they arise from incorrect care.
Most often, signs of unsatisfactory condition are:
- Dull foliage. This can be either insufficient watering or excessive overwatering. It is recommended to check how dry the substrate inside the pot is before moistening.
- Falling leaves. In most cases it is caused by drafts. It is enough to move the akalifa to a more suitable place, and the crown will soon recover.
- Fading of leaf plates. This indicates a lack of nitrogen. Most often, the problem arises among those who neglect the application of fertilizing, especially the nitrogen component.
- Development stops in the warm season. It is associated either with heat or with a lack of fertilizer in care.
- Brown spots on leaf blades. For species in which the coloring does not imply such coloring, this indicates a fungal disease. At the first signs, it is necessary to remove the affected areas, and treat the rest of the crown generously with antifungal drugs. Treatments are repeated 3-5 times every 10 days.
- Presence of insects. To get rid of it, several treatments with an insecticide should be carried out.
If you take into account all these recommendations, growing and caring for akalifa will bring amazing results.
Description of the plant
Foxtail (acalipha hispida) is a tropical guest in our latitudes. The flower's homeland is Southeast Asia and Australia. The plant of the hispid variety is an ornamental-leaved and ornamental-flowering perennial shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family.
Akalifa cats tails are creeping hanging plants grown in hanging flowerpots and pots. Flower growers value the decorative features of the flower and carefully monitor the shape of the shrub.
Ornamental shrub with ovate leaves pointed at the ends. It is distinguished by earring-shaped inflorescences with a bright scarlet color, causing an association with a fox or cat's tail.
Description of Akalifa
Acalypha is a beautiful decorative deciduous perennial, part of the Euphorbiaceae family.
This flower has two forms: an ampelous plant and a shrub. It is originally from Malaysia and New Guinea, where it is found in tropical forests. In the wild, some varieties can reach a maximum height of 2 meters. However, domestic akalifa usually has a maximum stem length of approximately 1 meter.
The shoots are distinguished by their increased flexibility, and they are decorated with oval or lanceolate leaf plates, while their color can be very different: from red-brownish to greenish.
The cascading long spike-shaped inflorescences consist of small red-crimson flowers. If you provide the plant with the best conditions for growth and suitable care, then it will bloom all year round.
Akalifa is a fast-growing plant that is quite easy to care for. In order for the bush to look neat and bloom magnificently, you must remember to promptly trim the flowers that have begun to fade.
What you should know before buying indoor akalifa
Imagine in advance where you will place the flower. Hanging pots are most often used, since branches and flowers grow and droop profusely. If you have small children or pets, make sure the planter is out of their reach. The plant can cause health problems if it enters the stomach or mucous membranes. Read more about this below.
| Mature plant size | depending on the type from 30 to 150 cm: high (above 100 cm), low (10-50 cm), hanging (below 10 cm) |
| Lifespan | up to 7 years, but some species in indoor conditions, in order not to lose their decorative effect, it is better to update annually |
| Bloom | bright pink flowers in the form of rocking earrings; flower size from 8 to 50 cm |
| Aroma | not clearly expressed |
| Safety | poisonous; gloves are needed when working with the plant |
| Difficulty of care | quite unpretentious, but there are nuances |
| Uniqueness | rare plant |
| Where can I buy |
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Opinions about the difficulty of caring for crops among gardeners vary. Experienced people say that the plant is very easy to grow and maintain. But for beginners, caring for a flower can bring a lot of trouble, so take this fact into account before purchasing a plant.
The benefits and harms of Akalifa
Fox tail has a number of positive properties, due to which its popularity among gardeners is steadily growing.
Benefit
Akalifa helps reduce pathogenic microflora in the atmosphere and reduces the level of air pollution. In addition, the plant stabilizes the energy background.
Harm
However, like any representative of euphorbia, akalifa is toxic.
Akalifa toxicity
All parts of the plant are dangerous. Therefore, if there are small children or animals in the house who can reach the flower, then the plant should be placed out of their reach.
Akalifa is a beautiful, profusely flowering plant with high decorative qualities. Its popularity is due to the plant’s tolerance to growing conditions; it is suitable even for an inexperienced gardener.
Plant energy: can akalifa be kept in the house?
Akalifa, growing in a home flower garden, will protect household members from depression, scandals, and a melancholic mood. A flower, like a lightning rod, absorbs psycho-emotional outbursts. Negative emotions seem to be purified in a field of flowers.
If you give up and doubts prevent you from starting an important task, stand next to Akalifa and your self-doubt will pass. Prudent parents place a flower near the student’s desk. After all, among other things, the plant relieves laziness, makes a person more collected, and increases efficiency.
If you belong to the category of people “of everything and more” (which does not always have a positive effect on your health and psychological state), a green pet will help you reconsider your attitude towards life and balance the concepts of “want” and “need”.
It is not for nothing that Akalifa is called a “warm flower”, because its owner will never suffer from the cold. This is a real godsend for people who are cold or allergic to cold.
If you stay near Akalifa for at least 10 minutes a day, the functionality of internal organs will be stimulated and the general condition of the body will improve.
Attention! Do not expect the manifestation of beneficial properties and positive energy from a sick, lethargic or dried flower.
Caring for Akalifa at home
Akalifa flowering
Indoor akalifa can bloom at any time of the year or even the whole year. Spike-shaped fluffy inflorescences are collected from a large number of small red-crimson flowers. In some varieties, the length of the inflorescence can reach up to 50 centimeters.
In order for the plants to always look attractive, you must remember to promptly cut off the inflorescences that have begun to wilt.
Temperature for Akalifa
Akalifa prefers to be warm. In the spring and summer, the recommended air temperature is from 21 to 25 degrees, and in the cold season - from 12 to 16 degrees. If the room is too hot, this will lead to stretching of the shoots and loss of the decorative qualities of the plant.
If the room has the minimum permissible air temperature, this may cause the growth of the bush to slow down and the development of various diseases. In addition, drafts pose a particular danger to akalifa. In this regard, under no circumstances should it be moved outside, even in the summer.
Air humidity for akalifa
Since Akalifa is a tropical plant that requires constant high air humidity. During the entire growing season, it is recommended to systematically spray the bush with a spray bottle. In this case, it is the air around the plant that needs to be humidified, not its foliage. To do this, use well-settled, non-cold water. It is impossible to moisten the plant during the flowering period.
Lighting for Akalifa
This plant is distinguished by its high sensitivity to light, despite this, it requires mandatory protection from direct rays of the sun. The bush will feel best on a windowsill with an eastern or western orientation. It can also be placed on a south window, but in this case it will have to be additionally protected from direct rays of the sun. Akalifa cannot be grown in a shaded place, as this will cause its stems to become elongated and the leaves to become small and faded.
Watering akalifa
Watering must be systematic and moderate at any time of the year. It must be remembered that the earth ball in the pot should not be allowed to dry out. It should be taken into account that on hot summer days the substrate in the pot dries out much faster. In the winter months, the frequency and abundance of watering should be slightly reduced.
Choosing a pot for akalifa
The plant feels great in a pot where its root system is quite crowded. But at the same time, do not rush to buy an excessively small pot for Akalifa, as this will only harm her. The root system must fit normally into the selected container and have a small amount of space for subsequent growth.
Soil mixture for akalifa
This flower grows well in almost any soil mixture, as long as it is well-drained and light. An earth mixture consisting of leaf and turf soil, peat, humus and sand, which must be taken in equal parts, is best suited for its cultivation.
Feeding Akalifa
Akalifa must be fed from the first days of spring until mid-October. To do this, use a mineral complex, which is added to the soil mixture once every 15 to 20 days. The plant can also be regularly fed with organic matter. For example, you can use vermicompost.
Akalifa transplant
While the bush is young, it stands out for its very rapid growth. In this regard, it needs regular transplants into larger pots, which are carried out once a year. It is recommended to replant adult specimens no more than once every 3 or 4 years. In this case, old large bushes, if necessary, are transplanted by transferring them into a larger container, or simply systematically replace their top layer of soil mixture with a new substrate.
Pruning akalifa
In order for the bush to always be neat and impressive, formative pruning must be carried out annually in the spring. To do this, cut off all the stems, leaving half of their length (or even a little less). If necessary, the plant can be rejuvenated; to do this, all its shoots are shortened to 0.2–0.3 meters. In order for young shoots to appear on the stumps as soon as possible, it is recommended to treat them with a Zircon solution.
Rest period for Akalifa
Akalifa, growing indoors, develops well even without a full dormant period. Reducing the length of daylight hours can signal to the bush that it is time to rest. This mild dormant period does not last long, and will require a suspension of fertilizing, as well as a reduction in the frequency of watering.
Transplanting a plant
The main difficulty is that for a tropical guest it is necessary to create suitable conditions in our climate. However, if the necessary parameters are observed, the plant develops well and pleases its owner with fiery inflorescences all year round.
With proper care and living conditions, it has no rest period. During the winter months, growth and flowering may be delayed due to short daylight hours.
The flower can be replanted in warm spring (April or May). A young flowerpot is replanted every year, an adult plant - once every 3-4 years. The substrate for replanting can be purchased in specialized stores or prepared independently by taking sand, peat, turf and leaf soil in a ratio of 1:1:1:1.
Foxtail contains a poisonous milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Therefore, when working with it, always protect your hands with gloves. Also make sure that your children and pets do not have the opportunity to come into contact with the planter.
Pests and diseases
The flower will survive in any conditions, but if the basic rules of care are violated, it will begin to get sick and suffer from an invasion of parasites. Novice gardeners may notice:
- yellow and falling leaves – moisture deficiency. If this problem is not eliminated, the culture will die;
- withering foliage - incorrect temperature conditions. The problem can be corrected if the Akalifa is provided with the necessary care as soon as possible;
- the leaves turn pale - there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil , so fertilizing containing this element is necessary;
- growth has slowed down - in this case, the reason lies in the lack of necessary microelements. It’s easy to get rid of it - fertilize it regularly;
- Brown spots appeared - a sign of fungal development. You can cure a flower using special means.
Some people do not know how the southern akalifa changes its appearance during the disease - a photo on the Internet will help to recognize the disease.
The most dangerous insect pests for flowers are aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Insecticides will help get rid of them. Caring for Akalifa is not difficult if everything is done correctly and on time.
| Growing | Akalifa is grown as an ornamental plant in pots. But it can also grow in the wild as a weed. Not picky about care. |
| Humidity | The humidity level should be no less than 65% and no more than 80%. In extreme heat it is necessary to spray regularly. |
| Feeding and pruning | The culture grows quickly, so it should be fed every 14 days. The procedure should be suspended in winter, when Akalifa is at rest. Due to its rapid growth, it must be constantly pinched, otherwise the flower will rise and lose its attractiveness. |
| Flowering period | It blooms almost all year long if you provide proper care. |
| Planting and transplanting | The most popular planting method is seed. The material is freely available, so purchasing it is not difficult. The soil should be moist and the temperature should be at least 20-22 degrees. Plants grow quickly, so replanting is necessary annually. It is necessary to change the place of residence of old flowers no more than once every 3-4 years. |
| Reproduction | Akalifa can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or air layering. |
| Pests | Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs. |
| Diseases | Rot, fungal infections. |
Aphid
Most often, Akalifa suffers from aphid attacks. These small insects settle on flowers in whole colonies, clinging to shoots and buds. When attacked by aphids, the plant becomes covered with small beige dots, which are clearly visible in the light.
If an aphid has attacked, it is best to cut off the most affected parts of the plant. You can spray the plant a couple of times a day with an infusion of strong-smelling herbs. Pine needles, tobacco, orange peels are suitable.
If this pest attacks, you should spill the soil several times with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The plant itself is sprayed with Inta-Vir, Kinmiks, Aktara.
Whitefly
It happens that the akalifa is attacked by a whitefly - an insect similar to a house moth. As soon as you touch the flower, the whitefly begins to fly into the air. The whitefly lays eggs on the underside of leaves and leaves colorless spots.
These insects are least active in the morning, so you can try simply vacuuming them up. You can install a fumigator for a week or use adhesive tape against flies. You can make bait against whiteflies by smearing cardboard with honey or jam.
The preparations Fitoverma, Aktara, Mospilan are excellent in helping to cope with whiteflies - the plants are treated two to three times every 5 days.
Spider mite
The main sign of the appearance of a spider mite on acalife is the thinnest cobweb entwining the shoots and foliage. Whitish spots appear on the underside of the foliage.
To get rid of this pest, you should water the plant well and place it in a bag for a couple of days. You can water the flower with a decoction of cyclamen or infusion of horsetail. Among the drugs that help cope with the pest are acaricides - Antiklesch, Aktofit and Omite. Plants are sprayed with preparations a couple of times with an interval of 12 days.
Akalifa is a wonderful plant for the home, which is sure to become the main decoration of the interior. Caring for a flower at home is not so difficult and even a novice gardener can cope with its cultivation.
Temperature and light
In our latitudes, akalifa ampelous requires special care at home, which includes maintaining optimal temperature and light. Acalypha is a heat-loving plant. It must be kept indoors.
The flower does not tolerate temperature changes well, so you should not move it from place to place.
The optimal temperature is from 18 to 25 °C. It reacts painfully to the slightest drafts and stops growing at temperatures below 18 °C. When determining the location of the flowerpot in the house, it is extremely important to remember this feature.
Akalifa
Foxtail, like all tropical plants, loves bright sunlight. However, the flower easily gets burned from direct sunlight. Therefore, pots with akalifa should not be hung directly opposite the window glass. Place the flower in the brightest room in the house and hang it so that it receives indirect sunlight.
Reproduction
Akalifa is a plant that is easy to care for and can be successfully propagated at home. Two main methods are used:
- seeds;
- cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Akalifa seeds are easiest to buy in a store, after which they are sown without preliminary preparation in soil for seedlings with the addition of sand. Then the container is placed in a bright place with a temperature of 20-22°C. It is necessary to place transparent glass or cling film on top to increase the air humidity inside.
Periodically, the substrate is sprayed with a spray bottle, since watering from a watering can can wash the seeds to the surface. Every day the film or glass is opened for 5-10 minutes for ventilation. After germination of the sprouts, the cover is removed. When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, the seedlings are picked.
Cuttings
This method is simpler and faster, plus after trimming the necessary material always remains. All species are suitable and can be propagated by cuttings all year round. The exception is Akalifa bristle-haired, with which such an experiment will only be possible in the spring.
In order for rooting to proceed normally, one nuance must be taken into account: the cuttings are immediately placed in water into which the milky sap enters. The liquid turns whitish, and after 20-30 minutes it is replaced with a clean one. After another half hour, the sections are dusted with “Kornevin” or “Zircon” for better root formation and planted in a mixture of peat and sand. To increase the percentage of rooted specimens, they are planted in a mini-greenhouse.
The first signs of rooting are noticeable after a couple of weeks: new growths appear on the tops of the shoots. About 1.5 months after cuttings, these tops are pinched so that the shoot begins to branch. From this moment on, you can add fertilizing for a rapid increase in green mass.
Watering and air humidity
It is also very important to ensure timely watering of the plant.
Foxtail loves frequent and abundant watering. The earthen clod must not be allowed to dry out.
In the summer, you need to water the flowerpot several times a week, in the afternoon, when the heat subsides. In winter - immediately after the top layer dries.
When propagating by akalifa cuttings, there is no need to water them, just spray them with warm water.
When caring for indoor plants, it is important to understand that harm can come from both a lack of water and flooding of flowers.
Green pets should only be watered with soft water. Rain, pond or river water is ideal. If this is not possible, then you need to use filtered water or obtained when the refrigerator freezes.
Tap water can also be adapted for irrigation. For this purpose, it is heated to a temperature of 50–60 °C, then left for a day in an open container. Before watering, pour the water into a clean container, as sediment remains at the bottom.
To water tropical plants, the water temperature should be 2-3 degrees above room temperature. Watering with cold water can lead to rotting of the root system and falling off of the inflorescences.
Air humidity is also important for a tropical flower. For foxtail it is no less than 50%.
Problems with maintaining a flowerpot may appear in winter, when indoor heating causes the air to become drier. To increase air humidity, using a household humidifier is indispensable. However, if you cannot get such an assistant, you can spray with soft water or use a pot with a double bottom and a peat moisturizer.
Another way to increase humidity is to group houseplants. However, in this case, there is a possibility of green pets being affected by gray mold and mutual infection from diseased plants.
Trimming
If the growing conditions “like” the flower, it will grow very quickly. Therefore, you need to learn how to prune this plant correctly. In addition, akalifa grows quickly in height and at the same time stretches too much, which reduces its decorative value.
To make the flower more lush and bushy, its shoots are pinched to the top 2 buds two or three times during the period of active growth.
You can use another trimming option. Every year at the end of February, you can radically prune the flower, leaving a stump up to 20 cm high from each shoot.
To stimulate the growth of green mass after such radical pruning, the plant is often sprayed and kept under a transparent film for about a month. You can also add Akalifa with a highly diluted growth stimulator.
How to fertilize
Plants receive nutritional minerals and organic substances from the soil through the root system. During the growth period, plants need nitrogen fertilizers, and during flowering - phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
Micronutrient deficiency can cause the following changes:
- The leaves become pale green and gradually turn yellow. The process begins from the lower leaves, then covers the entire bush.
- The lower leaves acquire a turquoise tint, and brown or red-violet spots appear on them. Gradually this color spreads to the entire plant.
- Akalifa flowers fall off, but new ones do not appear.
- Flowers are absent or become very small.
- The plant is easily infected by fungi.
- The growth of roots and stem tips slows down.
- Young leaves curl and become crinkled to the touch.
Common mistakes
Akalifa is bristly, if you do not care for it correctly, it will very quickly lose its decorative effect and stop blooming luxuriantly. By the appearance of the flower, you can determine what mistakes the gardener makes in care.
- If the stems of the plant begin to stretch, the foliage becomes smaller and fades, it means that it does not have enough light. To solve this problem, just move the flowerpot to a place where there will be more light. You can illuminate the flower with lamps. But keep in mind that the akalifa needs to be accustomed to new conditions gradually.
- If the leaves begin to turn yellow and the tips turn brown and dry out, then the soil in the pot dries out too often and too much. It is necessary to establish the correct irrigation regime to solve this problem. But you can’t flood the flower too much.
- If the leaves lose their tone, begin to droop and wrinkles appear on them, then the flower is not watered correctly. Or the soil may be unsuitable for akalifa, which allows water to pass through very poorly.
- If brownish wet spots appear on the leaves, and the bases of the petioles and shoots turn black, then the cause of this problem is excessive watering, which leads to the appearance of various rots. This problem can also appear due to drafts.
- If the leaves begin to dry out and fall off, this may be a signal of a lack of nutrients in the soil. But if the process is not too intense and affects only the lower part of the crown, then this is a completely normal phenomenon - this is how the flower grows.
Akalifa propagation methods
Propagating indoor plants allows you to create a real home garden at a minimum cost. After all, you don’t need to spend money on a new flower or its seeds. Also, you will always find something to give to loved ones who share your passion for floriculture.
Akalifa flower can be propagated by two methods: seeds and vegetatively.
Seeds
This method is rarely used by indoor gardeners, since it requires maintaining temperature conditions and maintaining humidity in the room for 1–2 weeks.
Akalifa seeds are sown in early spring (March, April). For seed germination, a soil mixture of leaf soil and sand in a 1:1 ratio is required. Before planting, pots or boxes should be washed with boiling water and disinfected with an antiseptic solution - potassium pergamanate, 2% copper sulfate solution, formaldehyde. The soil substrate is doused with boiling water or fried.
After sowing the seeds, the pot is covered with glass or plastic film, which is lifted once a day for ventilation.
The optimal temperature for germination of akalifa seeds is 20–22 °C.
The soil should not dry out, but if this happens, it can be moistened with a spray bottle.
After the sprouts appear, they are planted in more nutritious soil with the addition of turf soil. Diving is necessary for the development of a strong root system of the plant.
Vegetatively
Akalifa is characterized by propagation by cuttings. Since propagating a flower by seeds indoors is long and difficult, most gardeners prefer vegetative propagation. For this method, parts of an already mature plant are used.
Vegetative propagation of Akalifa occurs by stem cuttings. The top of the stem with 2–3 developed leaves is cut off with a sharp knife directly below the leaf.
It is important to make sure that the cutting you cut does not have inflorescences or flower buds, otherwise the sprout will not take root.
After separation from the mother plant, the cuttings must be placed in water for 10–15 minutes. For planting, you need to prepare a substrate from a mixture of peat soil and sand (1:1).
The optimal rooting temperature for cuttings is about 20–21 °C.
An indoor greenhouse with bottom heating will help create ideal temperature conditions. Flowers grown in a greenhouse must be ventilated daily. You should not water the cuttings; instead, you should regularly spray them with warm water.
After the root system has appeared, the plant is planted in a pot using a soil composition of leaf soil, peat, turf soil and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1:1.
Akalifa bristly reproduces quickly by cuttings in spring. If the cuttings were cut at an unfavorable time of year, they should be placed in a solution of a growth stimulator before rooting. But even in this case, the rooting process will be longer.
What does Akalifa look like?
In nature, akalifa is a shrub about 2 meters high ; the dimensions of indoor plants are much more modest.
Akalifa (Acalypha), also known as “fox tail” or “cat tail”, is a genus of evergreen herbaceous plants and shrubs (very rarely low trees) belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, numbering about 450 representatives.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek “nettle” and is due to the external similarity of the leaves. It is really easy to confuse them - both the shape (ovoid, with a pointed tip and an edge cut into triangular teeth) and color are similar. The presence of rare thin bristles is also characteristic of the well-known weed. Other acalyphs are somewhat less common at home - they bloom less spectacularly, but the leaves have an unusual bronze or copper tint and are covered with dark scarlet spots.
Even non-flowering akalifa looks elegant thanks to its bright greenery.
Akalifa's homeland is the tropics. The most common plant is in Southeast Asia, Australia, and on the islands between these continents. Some species are found in South and North America.
Like other Euphorbiaceae, Akalifa is poisonous . All parts of the plant contain caustic milky-white juice, which is highly irritating to the skin and even more so to the mucous membranes. In especially severe cases, even allergic reactions such as Quincke's edema are possible. Any work with a flower is carried out only with gloves. When finished, be sure to wash your hands. Also, choose a place for the potty where small children and pets cannot reach.
Akalifa, as often happens, is not only poison, but also medicine. This is due to the presence of specific alkaloids and glycosides. Aborigines of Australia and Polynesia use the plant to treat diseases of the lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma) and the gastrointestinal tract. It has been scientifically proven that, by releasing phytoncides, it purifies the surrounding air from pathogenic bacteria - staphylococci, streptococci.
The main value of akalifa in the eyes of a florist is its spectacular spike-shaped inflorescences . In nature, their length reaches 50 cm, at home 30 cm. These bright, beautifully flowing shaggy brushes naturally stay on the plant for several months. “In captivity” the plant blooms even more readily, almost continuously, at least from late winter to mid-autumn.
Blooming akalifa, with proper care, pleases the eye almost all year round.
The undoubted advantage of the flower is its compactness. In nature, akalifa can grow up to 2 m in height; at home it is rarely higher than 50–70 cm.
Astrologers and adherents of the teachings of Feng Shui value akalifa for the support it provides to the heart, preserving the “bright” atmosphere in the house and the cheerfulness of its owners. It is believed that the flower accumulates positive energy and at the right time shares it with its owners, keeping them cheerful and optimistic. It also softens harsh men, and, on the contrary, adds strength of spirit and will to women.
Akalifa looks good not only on the windowsill, but also in hanging flowerpots
Peculiarities
In nature, this species grows in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, Oceania, Polynesia and Australia. This species is represented by annual and perennial plants, shrubs, and, less commonly, low trees. Long flowering and decorative leaves guarantee the love of flower growers all over the world.
Under natural conditions, Akalifa can reach the size of a huge shrub, striking with its abundant flowering. In an apartment, its height will hardly reach 30–60 cm. Flowering with lush red “tails” is the main feature of this plant. The fluffy inflorescences of an elongated spicate shape tend to hang down, so many gardeners prefer to grow akalifa not as a compact bush, but as an hanging plant for decorating window openings and window sills.
For its unusual flowers, this plant is often called foxtail or tailed acalypha.
Useful properties of Akalifa
Growing akalifa indoors helps improve the environmental situation indoors. This is expressed in reducing the amount of dangerous microflora in the air and normalizing electrostatics. In addition, the presence of a plant in a home stabilizes the positive energy of the surrounding space and has a calming effect on the person in the room.
Varieties and varieties
In many original bright photos of the indoor plant Akalifa, the leaves are clearly visible, very similar to the shape of an egg. The edges have a serrated structure. This feature is characteristic of the bristly-hairy Akalifa. This is what can most often be found in offers for sale.
Officially it is called Acalypha hispida. Varieties such as Alba and Godseffiana are quite popular. It is they that, with proper care, appear with leaves with a pubescent border with a golden tint. The flower itself does not have very poisonous characteristics. Therefore, it is better not to allow children and pets near it.
The plant can reach a height of up to two meters. But this applies exclusively to natural conditions of growth and development. The houseplant is usually shorter. The approximate maximum height will be about one meter.
The increased flexibility of the branches and color are surprising. It may be different. For example, brown with reddish tints or slightly greenish. The plate is not always oval. It may be lancet-shaped. The small flowers are bright crimson in color. By providing proper care for the plant, you can make it bloom constantly.
The remarkable thing is that such a bush grows so quickly that you are simply amazed, unlike many other plant brethren. A neat appearance depends on how diligently you take care and promptly remove (cut) fading flowers.
Akalifa Wilkes or Wilkes (Acalypha wilkesiana)
This artificially bred species is notable for its bright colors. The leaf blades can be oval or heart-shaped, and their color varies from speckled red to light green. The spadix-shaped inflorescences consist of small, bright red flowers.
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Breeders distinguish two varieties:
- godsefa with elongated pubescent leaves, which have a clearly defined golden edge;
- mosaic - its large leaves have inclusions of a darker color, which makes them look like stained glass.
Acalypha hispida
Hispida (another name is red cat's tail) is perhaps the most popular bush among gardeners. Its inflorescences can grow up to half a meter in length. The leaf blades are painted a beautiful green color.
Haitian acalypha (Acalypha hispaniolae)
The ampelous variety of the plant is distinguished by thin and very flexible shoots. The leaves with a jagged edge are colored deep green, but the inflorescences are bright scarlet and relatively small.
Southern (Acalypha australis)
An erect bush up to half a meter high. The leaves are green, oval, slightly elongated, with a jagged edge.
Interesting! In its homeland, this is a real weed, which farmers mercilessly fight.
Viginsi
An endangered species. The plant is becoming extinct due to loss of its natural habitat in the Galapagos Islands. The size of the bush is small, the leaves are medium sized, green. It is practically not used as a houseplant.
Variegated
Akalifa variegata has large pointed foliage of original color: light leaves are covered with yellow or white spots of different sizes and shapes. The culture blooms with light green flowers, collected in spike-like inflorescences, throughout the year.
Brief description of cultivation
- Temperature . In the warm season, the optimal air temperature for akalifa is around 23 degrees. And in winter it should be within 15 degrees.
- Air humidity . Requires high air humidity (minimum 50 percent). At the same time, you can moisten the bush with a sprayer only during the growing season (excluding flowering time).
- Illumination . The place should be well lit, the light diffused. In the shade, the foliage becomes faded, and when direct rays of the sun hit its surface, burns form.
- Watering . Moisten the substrate systematically. In summer - at least 2 times every 7 days, and in winter - immediately after the top layer of the soil mixture has dried.
- Substrate . It should allow water and air to pass through well, and also be nutritious. You can use ready-made soil mixture purchased at a specialty store. If desired, you can make it yourself: combine peat, sand, turf soil and humus.
- Fertilizer . During the growing season, Akalifu is watered with a nutrient solution twice or thrice a month. To prepare it, take a liquid mineral complex for house plants.
- Transplant . In spring or summer. In adult large bushes, instead of replanting, you can simply annually replace the top layer of substrate in the pot with a new soil mixture.
- Reproduction . In spring, by seed or apical cuttings.
- Trimming . To ensure that the bush is always neat and impressive, both sanitary and formative pruning is carried out every year: all stems are shortened by ½ of their length. Once every 3–5 years, anti-aging pruning is carried out: the bush is shortened to 20–30 centimeters.
Errors in care
Plant health problems begin with a lack of light, dry air, drying out soil, drafts and temperature changes. The depressed state of a flower can also be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil.
To determine the cause of the malaise, you need to check the plant for pests and soil moisture. You also need to remove the flower from the pot and check whether the roots are affected by parasites. If no pests are found, and the root system fills the entire bud in the pot, then the problem may be that the soil substrate is depleted and the plant needs to be replanted.
If everything is fine with the soil and roots, the problem is probably hidden in external factors. Try to compensate for the lack of lighting and air humidity.
If the plant's leaves turn yellow and fall off, the problem may be insufficient watering, low temperatures or drafts. Poor lighting or excess mineral fertilizers can be suspected of the disappearance of flowering. Flowers quickly wither due to dry air, lack of light or too high air temperature. Akalifa is also susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
You can visually evaluate the results of caring for an akalifa flower at home using a photo of the flower on the Internet. Healthy shrubs have a neat decorative shape, lush green leaves and bright scarlet spikelets of inflorescences.
Pests often cause pathological changes in the life of Akalifa bristlecone:
- Spider mites live on the upper and lower sides of leaves, shoots and branches. Leaves begin to fall prematurely. A thin transparent cobweb appears between the stems. Increased temperature and dry indoor air are favorable for the appearance of ticks. If the damage is minor, wash the leaves and stems thoroughly with soap and water. In case of severe infestation, treatment with insecticides or colloidal sulfur is necessary.
- Scale insects live in colonies on the underside of leaves, in leaf axils, on branches and young shoots. Parasites suck out the juice, causing the shoots to lag behind in growth, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. For mild damage, wipe the plant with a cotton pad soaked in soap, alcohol or kerosene solution. If significant, spray with insecticides.
Akalitha. Problems during cultivation.
- Akalifa stretches out, the leaves turn pale when there is insufficient lighting.
- Fading foliage, slow growth with a lack of fertilizer in the soil, emphasis on nitrogen is necessary.
- The tips of the leaves become dry in a room with dry air or with insufficient watering.
- Yellowing and falling of leaves occurs if the air in the room is too dry.
- Spotting of the foliage indicates that the plant has been infected with a fungal disease; treatment with a fungicidal preparation is necessary.
- Dark spotting appears if the plant is exposed to drafts or cold temperatures.
- Foliage wilts with too little or too much watering.
- The foliage withers and falls off if the room temperature is too low.
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Expert opinion on Akalifa from Anna Primatova
Well-known blogger and experienced florist Anna Primatova from the Irkutsk region, the village of Yurty, Taishet district, shares her experience in selecting soil and replanting Akalifa foxtail hairy. Anna is an agronomist by training with a specialization in biotechnology and has been growing flowers for a very long time.
Akalifa bristle-haired
Having extensive experience, the expert insists on choosing acidic, moisture-absorbing soil and, to demonstrate replanting, chose loose peat soil with Ph 2.5. A plant from a pot 9 cm in diameter is transferred to an 11 cm container. A larger volume is not recommended and the author focuses on large drainage holes.
Akalifa pot
As you can see in the photo below, the plant has a very thin and sensitive root system, so it should be remembered that overdrying is detrimental to this species. Before replanting, you can remove the top layer of dry soil and lightly massage the roots below. However, be careful not to damage the root system, otherwise the flower will dry out the leaves.
Akalifa root system
Next, without a drainage layer, the grower places the root of the plant in the prepared pot and fills it with new soil. This method is called transplantation by transshipment method.
The expert informs that the bristle-haired type of Akalifa blooms all year round and does not require a dormant period. Therefore, you can cut a plant at any time, but you should wait for new shoots. Immediately after moving the plant, pruning cannot be done, as the plant must adapt and grow.
Akalifa transplant
After the transshipment procedure, Anna recommends placing the flowerpot in a warm place. The plant does not tolerate drafts.
For proper care, it is recommended to fertilize in spring and summer, regular watering, and remove faded tails that grow back. The fertilizer must contain nitrogen.
Akalifa flowering
Anna uses vermiculite and the greenhouse effect to root cuttings. The most favorable temperature for rooting is 20-25 °C and not lower than 15 °C. The expert states that Akalifa can be considered an unpretentious plant, if you take into account all the nuances of its content.
Reproduction. Flower transplant
Akalifa reproduces in cutting form. You can also use seeds for this. The root structure of half-lignified shoots will take root well in sand. Its temperature should be at least 26 degrees. Any season is suitable for this. The size of the cutting can be about eight centimeters.
The beginning of spring (March and April) is set aside for sowing the seed mixture into the ground mixed with sand. For germination, its temperature should not be below twenty degrees and not exceed twenty-two. There should be a small distance between seedlings of two to three centimeters.
Akalifa is replanted in summer or spring. If you do not replant it, then you simply need to replace the top layer of soil. Only each shoot will need to be shortened exactly by half. After several years have passed, the plant must be shortened to a height of 25-30 cm. This way it is rejuvenated.
Interestingly, akalifa is capable of blooming throughout the year. The inflorescences are fifty centimeters in size, striking with their unusual exotic beauty of red or snow-white flowers. Those inflorescences that have already bloomed fade and fall off.
Diversity of the Akalifa family
Akalifa belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Akalifa foxtail is just one of the varieties of this wonderful plant. Fox tail is a plant with long scarlet inflorescences, which includes acalypha hispida.
Akalifa bristle-haired or Fox tail (acalypha hispida)
Botanists count more than 400 varieties of plants of the akalipha family, among which there are ornamental, herbaceous plants, shrubs and even trees. Some species of akalifa are classified as endangered species.
Plantarium acalypha includes the following species:
Akalifa Wilkes or Akalifa Wilkesiana (acalypha wilkesiana)
Akalifa tricolor (acalypha tricolor)
Akalifa Thai snow
Akalifa Viginsi
Haitian acalypha (acalypha chamaedrifolia)
Akalifa Alba (acalypha alba)
Indian acalypha (acalypha indica)
Acalypha godseffiana
Southern acalypha (acalypha australis)
White acalypha (acalypha hispida white margined)
Not all plants have decorative value, so the herbaceous southern acalypha is a weed. Flowering ampel plant varieties, as well as variegated acalyphs, are most valued by flower growers and gardeners.
| Classification of species | Name |
| Herbaceous | southern |
| Bush | Wilksa, Indian, Godsefa, Australian |
| Ampelous | Haitian, oakleaf, Alpha Alba, bristly-haired, Thai snow |
| Tree-like | Vilkisyan |
| Variegated | wilkesiana, tricolor, variegata, musaica |
In our latitudes, they prefer to breed mainly indoor varieties, but in warmer countries, garden akalifa is common. A garden plant is grown as a bush or ornamental tree.
| Most popular types | bristly hairy; Alpha Alba; Wilks; wilkesiana; tricolor; variegata; musaica |
| Edible species | indica; kiliyata; bipartite |
Some plant varieties have medicinal properties. In medicine, the poisonous milky juice of akalifa has found application in the treatment of skin diseases, seizures and rheumatism.
Among popular signs and superstitions, there is an opinion that akalifa has positive energy and helps fight despondency and pessimism. The fiery color of the flowers will give the owner of the ornamental plant warmth on a physical and spiritual level.
Foxtail - symbolizes harmony and inner stability. Signs say that in a house with a healthy flower, men become more self-confident, and women become calm and loving.
3.Types:
3.1.Acalypha hispida
A small indoor plant with dark green, thin leaves covered with branched veins. The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth. It has abundant and long-lasting flowering. The flowers are collected in long (up to 45 cm) dark pink or red “earrings”.
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3.2.Acalypha wilkesiana
Unlike the previous species, Wilks' akalifa should be classified more as an ornamental foliage plant, since flowering is not of particular interest. The leaves of Wilks's akalifa have burgundy or red hues and often have contrasting speckles. Young shoots and leaf blades are covered with sparse pubescence.
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The healing properties of akalifa
In 1856, Dr. Tonere tested the effects of the plant on himself and officially introduced Acalipha indica into homeopathy. Now the specific alkaloids and glycosides contained in Indian Akalifa are widely used by pharmacists. They are used to produce medicines for bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchial asthma.
Since the 19th century, potions based on the shrub have been used as an emetic and expectorant. And Malaysians brew Akalifa as tea, and prepare decoctions from the roots and leaves to improve intestinal function. But their experiments should not be repeated - the poisonous plant is not suitable for making home remedies.
Akalifa is a very beautiful and original flowering shrub. Its inflorescences delight the eye with fluffy scarlet tails. The flowerpot is not very whimsical in cultivation. The main thing is to create suitable conditions for it. In return, the plant will delight you with bright blooms all year round.
Description
A genus of beautifully flowering, evergreen shrubs; there are also herbaceous perennials and, less commonly, trees. There are about 450 plant species. Belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Its homeland is the tropical and subtropical forests of eastern India. The name of this genus of plant comes from the ancient Greek name nettle: by the similarity of the leaves.
There are 2 Akalifa groups:
The first is the most common: it has drooping, pointedly ovoid leaves, serrated at the edges, and bright green in color. Foxtail blooms with beautiful drooping fluffy spike-shaped inflorescences that reach a length of up to 50 cm, with a long flowering period. This group of species is grown for its beautiful inflorescences.
The second is grown for its bronze-greenish, with bright copper-red spots, ovoid, serrated at the edges, pointed foliage, reaching a length of up to 20 centimeters. The flowers are small, up to 5-10 centimeters long, red, and the flowers are collected in inflorescences.
We recommend trying to grow bamboo in your dacha.
To learn more
Most popular types
Akalifa is bristly-hairy. Plants of this species were among the first to be grown at home. A bush with bright green leaves and large fluffy flowers of scarlet or crimson color. The selection hybrid stands out for its snow-white flowers. Akalifa Wilkes. The bush is decorated by unusual leaves with long and wide plates of a bronze hue, covered with spots of copper or pink-red color. They grow on shoots of a copper-red hue, covered with fibers. The inflorescences are small, up to 8-10 cm.
Akalifa Indian. The maximum height of the bush is 50 cm. It branches weakly. The leaves are small with five distinct veins at the base. Inflorescences are located in the axils of the leaves. The flowering period is short.
Akalifa oakleaf or Haitian. A small shrub with small heart-shaped leaves of a light green hue. The maximum length of inflorescences is 10 cm. When grown in a wide container, it covers the soil with a continuous carpet.
Akalifa Californian. A bush with bright pink inflorescences and light green jagged leaves.
