What plant is the red cattail? Let us get to know this evergreen shrub
Among flowers, quite a few are named after dogs, and the "red cattail" is one of them; the red inflorescence of the female plant closely resembles a dog's tail, hence the name.
The "red cattail" is an evergreen shrub of the genus Acalypha in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), with a plant height of 0.5-2 m; some types can be kept at about 30 cm tall under pot cultivation; the leaves are ovate, pointed at the tip, with coarse serrated edges, bright green in color and slightly lighter on the underside, and the leaf stalks have fine hairs; it is dioecious, and the female plant bears eye-catching bright red cattail-shaped spike inflorescences, up to 50 cm long and about 1.5 cm thick, on which small red flowers are borne, opening in autumn and winter.
The "red cattail" is native to the Malay Archipelago and the New Guinea region. It likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight, is not cold-tolerant, and fears drought. Its optimum growing temperature is 20°C-30°C. It can be placed outdoors in a sunny, well-ventilated spot for care, with appropriate shading in summer to prevent scorching by the blazing sun. Because it likes a humid atmosphere, it should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist; in hot, dry weather, water can also be sprayed on the plant and its surroundings to increase air humidity. During the growing season, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer or decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer once a week to encourage the formation of inflorescences. In winter, it can be moved indoors to a sunny spot, with the temperature best kept above 15°C; if it falls below 10°C, the plant will drop its leaves, and in severe cases it may even die. At the same time, in winter, reduce the frequency of watering, keeping the potting soil from drying out. Because northern households have indoor heating and the air is relatively dry, it is also necessary to frequently spray the plant with water close to room temperature, so as to prevent the leaf edges from drying up.
Prune the plant once every year in February-March, cutting back overly long branches and removing diseased and dead branches to encourage vigorous new growth. During the growing season, pinch out the growing tips regularly as well, to control plant height and form a full, compact shape for the best ornamental effect. Repot once a year in March-April; the potting soil should be loose and breathable and rich in humus. One part leaf mold and one part garden soil can be used, mixed with a small amount of decomposed horse manure. After repotting, water thoroughly and keep the plant out of direct sunlight for about a week, then move it to a spot with fairly ample sunlight for normal care.
Propagation of the "red cattail" is mainly by cuttings. In early spring, healthy branches from the previous year can be cut as cuttings, or in May-June, vigorous, well-developed branches of the current year can be collected as cuttings. Cut the cuttings to about 10 cm long, keep 2-3 leaves at the top, remove the lower leaves, and insert them in pure sand or vermiculite. After inserting, water thoroughly, avoid scorching sunlight, and keep the air and soil moist. In an environment no lower than 20°C, the cuttings take about 20-30 days to root. For home cultivation, in early summer the cuttings can also be placed in a glass bottle filled with clean water; as long as the temperature is no lower than 20°C, they will root in 2-3 weeks.
The "red cattail" has emerald-green leaves, stays evergreen all year round, and its cattail-shaped inflorescences are brightly colored and uniquely shaped, giving it good ornamental value. It can be grown as a medium-sized potted plant to decorate halls, living rooms and so on, and in the warm climate of South China it can also be planted in courtyards for viewing. In recent years, a variety with soft, drooping branches and small, dense leaves and inflorescences has appeared; merchants call it "suisui red" (year-after-year red), taking the meaning of "prosperous year after year." This variety is unusual and full of wild charm; it is an excellent indoor potted flower for winter and also a very worthwhile new variety of New Year floral display to promote. It is suitable for placing on desks, stands and cabinet tops, and can also be grown as a hanging basket plant, suspended in front of a window, swaying in the wind, very beautiful.