Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

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Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Asian copperleaf

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Bronze

Symbolism

An auspicious start

Usages

Garden Use

Asian copperleaf can grow in fields and greenhouses.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Copperleafs

Species

Asian copperleaf

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Distribution Map

Habitat

Waste places, cultivated fields in lowland areas, roadsides, riverbanks

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Asian copperleaf

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Asian copperleaf?

To water Asian copperleaf, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Asian copperleaf is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Asian copperleaf as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Asian copperleaf that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Asian copperleaf, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

What should I do if I water my Asian copperleaf too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Asian copperleaf is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Asian copperleaf is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Asian copperleaf that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Asian copperleaf, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

How often should I water my Asian copperleaf?

Asian copperleaf needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Asian copperleaf. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Asian copperleaf grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Asian copperleaf that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Asian copperleaf a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

How much water does my Asian copperleaf need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Asian copperleaf. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Asian copperleaf. Typically, you should give your Asian copperleaf about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Asian copperleaf in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Asian copperleaf enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Asian copperleaf. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Asian copperleaf are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Asian copperleaf may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Asian copperleaf as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Asian copperleaf through the seasons?

You can expect your Asian copperleaf’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Asian copperleaf, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Asian copperleaf that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Asian copperleaf is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Asian copperleaf at different growth stages?

Asian copperleaf will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Asian copperleaf as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Asian copperleaf will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Asian copperleaf will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Asian copperleaf indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Asian copperleaf grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Asian copperleaf needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Asian copperleaf water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

How much sunlight should Asian copperleaf get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Asian copperleaf needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Asian copperleaf need?

The Asian copperleaf grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Asian copperleaf is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Asian copperleaf from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Asian copperleaf can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Asian copperleaf is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Asian copperleaf is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Asian copperleaf from sun exposure?

The Asian copperleaf does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Asian copperleaf in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Asian copperleaf gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Asian copperleaf does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Asian copperleaf indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Asian copperleaf need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Asian copperleaf is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Asian copperleaf need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Asian copperleaf needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Asian copperleaf is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Asian copperleaf?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Asian copperleaf to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Asian copperleaf receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Asian copperleaf?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Asian copperleaf require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Asian copperleaf doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Asian copperleaf need different temperatures for different seasons?

Asian copperleaf does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Asian copperleaf healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Asian copperleaf?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Asian copperleaf is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

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Add to My Garden

Asian copperleaf

Acalypha australis

Also known as: Asiatic three-seeded mercury,, Copperleaf

Asian copperleaf or Acalypha australis is a perennial weed with spikes of small, copper-red flowers. Once thought to be found only in the New York area, this weed has also been discovered throughout the United States.

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Bronze

Symbolism

An auspicious start

Usages

Garden Use

Asian copperleaf can grow in fields and greenhouses.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Copperleafs

Species

Asian copperleaf

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Habitat

Waste places, cultivated fields in lowland areas, roadsides, riverbanks

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Asian copperleaf

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Asian copperleaf?

What should I do if I water my Asian copperleaf too much or too little?

How often should I water my Asian copperleaf?

How much water does my Asian copperleaf need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Asian copperleaf enough?

How should I water my Asian copperleaf through the seasons?

How should I water my Asian copperleaf at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Asian copperleaf indoors and outdoors?

How much sunlight should Asian copperleaf get per day to grow healthily?

What type of sunlight does Asian copperleaf need?

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Asian copperleaf from sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Asian copperleaf from sun exposure?

What will happen if Asian copperleaf gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Asian copperleaf need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Asian copperleaf need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Asian copperleaf?

What is the optimal temperature for Asian copperleaf?

Does Asian copperleaf require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Asian copperleaf need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Asian copperleaf healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Asian copperleaf?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

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More Info

Symbolism

Usages

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Questions About Asian copperleaf

More Questions People Also Ask

Related Plants

Related Articles

More Info

Symbolism

Usages

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Map

Questions About Asian copperleaf

More Questions People Also Ask

Related Plants

Related Articles