Why are the leaves dropping?

This is often a sign of low humidity or sudden temperature changes.

How do I keep the flowers fuzzy?

Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

Plant guide

Pencil flower.

Acalypha sp.

Pronounced ak-uh-LY-fuh

Also known as Acalypha sp., Brooms and Brushes, Copperleaf, copperleafs, three-seeded mercuries, three-seeded mercury

Acalypha is a diverse genus known for its striking foliage and unique, catkin like flowers. These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid environments. They make excellent showpieces for indoor spaces or seasonal outdoor displays.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Shrub
Light: Bright indirect light is best for maintaining leaf color.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Spring to autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root issues. Watch for drooping leaves, which often signal a need for more humidity or water. Ensure the plant stays away from cold drafts to keep it happy.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier, fuller shape.
Repotting: Repot in spring when the roots have filled the current container.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 30°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite regular feeding.

Safety

People: The plant contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested or handled by sensitive individuals.
Pets: This plant is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the foliage and flowers can be irritating if chewed or handled roughly.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause skin irritation in some people.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Oval shaped leaves with serrated edges
Vibrant foliage in red, bronze, or green
Long, drooping, catkin like flower spikes
Soft, textured leaf surfaces

Height: 0.6 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.45 to 1.2m
Leaves: green, bronze, red, evergreen
Flowers: red, pink, white, 5 to 20cm

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Leaf DropUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Place it in a bright spot away from cold drafts and reduce watering slightly.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 25 centimeters in diameter.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 10 centimeter cutting from a healthy stem tip.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant in a moist, well draining potting mix.
5. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until roots form.

Group this plant with other tropical species to create a microclimate that helps maintain necessary humidity levels.

Grows well with

Ferns · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Peace Lily · These plants thrive in the same tropical conditions and provide a nice contrast in leaf texture.

Similar species

Copperleaf · It is a close relative grown primarily for its colorful foliage.

Science

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Acalypha
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species extending into temperate North America.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It grows in the understory of tropical forests where it benefits from filtered light and high moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: butterflies, bees
Uses: ornamental container plant, tropical garden accent, indoor specimen

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves dropping?: This is often a sign of low humidity or sudden temperature changes.
How do I keep the flowers fuzzy?: Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

Where the name comes from

The name Acalypha comes from the Greek word for nettle, referring to the leaf shape, while the specific epithet often describes the unique flower form.

Good to know

Acalypha belongs to the diverse Euphorbiaceae family.
The drooping flower spikes can reach up to 20 centimeters in length.
It requires consistent warmth to maintain its vibrant foliage and blooms.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.