How to Propagate Copperleaf Plant | 2 Ways of Acalypha wilkesiana Propagation

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Copperleaf Plant (Acalypha wilkesiana) is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season from soft stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water.

However, the hardwood cuttings are not easy to root which means they have a slow survival rate. It is advisable to propagate Copperleaf Plant from soft stem cuttings.

Acalypha wilkesiana commonly called Copperleaf Plant, Jacob's Coat or Fire Dragon is a vibrant plant which exhibits attractive leaf colors making it a great accent plant in any space.

It bears broad, ovate to heart-shaped, serrated leaves which can range from red, copper, bronze to pink, green and white, giving them a beautiful vibrant appearance.

If you are looking to multiply your Copperleaf Plant. Keep reading to learn 2 ways you can propagate these vibrant plants.

1. How to propagate Copperleaf Plant from stem cuttings in water

Take a 4-5 in. soft stem cuttings from a healthy Copperleaf Plant, ensure it has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.

Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.

Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.

When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, quality, rooting soil.

Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.

Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.

Transfer the new Acalypha wilkesiana into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained. At this point you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Copperleaf Plant from stem cuttings in soil

Take a 4-5 in. soft stem cuttings from a healthy Copperleaf Plant, ensure it has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.

Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in rooting powder to hasten rooting.

Select a rooting container and ensure that it has adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Fill the container with free-draining, potting mix and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem cutting.

Insert about 2-3 in. of the lower cut end of the stem cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the stem cutting while taking care not to bury it too deep.

Water the soil thoroughly. To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear polythene sheet or bag.

Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the sheet or bag too much by propping it up with sticks.

Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges. New growth indicates the cutting has rooted.

In about 3-4 weeks, rooting of the cutting will have taken place.

Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover to acclimatize the new plant.

In 4-6 months, there will be adequate plant growth and you can begin routine care for Acalypha wilkesiana.

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