Bottlebrush Acalypha Plant Care

Bottlebrush Acalypha (Acalypha pendula) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Acalypha genus. Bottlebrush Acalypha is native to Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Bottlebrush Acalypha is also known as Drakaea.

Bottlebrush Acalypha displays a fast-growing, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bottlebrush Acalypha produces insignificant flowers, grown for colorful foliage instead.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bottlebrush Acalypha every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bottlebrush Acalypha thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Bottlebrush Acalypha in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Acalypha pendula tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Bottlebrush Acalypha prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Good drainage is essential for Bottlebrush Acalypha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bottlebrush Acalypha every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light to partial shade and well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bottlebrush Acalypha is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bottlebrush Acalypha can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bottlebrush Acalypha while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bottlebrush Acalypha is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bottlebrush Acalypha can be propagated through acalypha can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chenille plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bottlebrush Acalypha is susceptible to common pests for acalypha include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bottlebrush Acalypha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Bottlebrush Acalypha is native to Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. In cooler regions, grow Bottlebrush Acalypha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.