Evergreen shrub "dogtail red"

There are many flowers named after dogs,"dog tail red" is one of them, its female red inflorescence resembles a dog tail, hence the name.

"Gouweihong" is an evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Acalypha of Euphorbiaceae. The plant height is 0.5~2 meters. Some species can control the plant height to about 30 cm under pot conditions. The leaves are ovate, pointed at the apex, with coarse serrations at the edge. The leaves are bright green, slightly lighter in color on the back, and the petioles are hairy. The female plants have eye-catching bright red dog-tail spikes, which can reach 50 cm in length and 1.5 cm in thickness. The red flowers are attached to them and open in autumn and winter.

"Dog tail red" originated in Malaysia and New Guinea, like warm and humid and sunny environment, not cold, afraid of drought. Its growth temperature is 20℃~30℃, can be placed in the outdoor sunshine, air circulation of the place maintenance, summer to properly shade, to prevent the sun exposure. Because it likes a humid environment, it should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist. When it is hot and dry, it can also spray water on the plants and the surrounding environment to increase the humidity of the air. Low nitrogen and high phosphorus potassium compound fertilizer or decomposed thin liquid fertilizer is applied once a week during the growing season to promote the formation of inflorescences. In winter, it can be moved indoors to a sunny place, and the temperature should be controlled above 15℃. If it is lower than 10℃, it will cause plant defoliation, and even cause plant death in severe cases. At the same time, in winter also reduce the number of watering, keep the pot soil not dry can. Northern families because of indoor heating, the air is relatively dry, but also often with water close to room temperature to spray the plants, so as not to dry the edges of the leaves.

Pruning the plants once every February to March, cutting off the long branches, cutting off the diseased branches and dead branches, so as to promote the growth of healthy new branches. The growing season should also be often picked at the beginning to control the height of the plant, forming a plump and compact plant shape, to achieve the best viewing effect. Every year 3~4 months change basin, basin soil requirements loose permeability, rich in humus, available leaf soil, garden soil each, and then mixed with a small amount of decomposed horse manure mixed evenly after use. After changing pots, pour water, put the plants in a place without direct sunlight for about a week, and then move to a place with sufficient sunlight for normal maintenance.

"Dog tail red" propagation to cutting-based, can be cut in early spring on a healthy branch for cuttings, but also in May to June to collect healthy branches for cuttings. Cut the cuttings into about 10 cm long, keep the top 2~3 leaves, remove the lower leaves, and insert them in pure sand or vermiculite. After planting, irrigate enough water to avoid sun exposure and keep the air and soil moist. Rooting takes place after 20~30 days in an environment not lower than 20 DEG C. Family cultivation can also be in early summer, the cuttings inserted in a glass bottle filled with water, as long as the temperature is not lower than 20℃, 2 to 3 weeks can take root.

"Dog tail red" leaves green, evergreen, dog tail-shaped inflorescences colorful, unique shape, with good ornamental, can be used as medium-sized potted plants, layout halls, rooms, etc., in the warm climate of South China can also be planted in the courtyard for viewing. In recent years, there have been soft drooping branches, leaves, inflorescences small and dense varieties, merchants called it "Sui Sui (Sui Sui) red", take its "Sui Sui red fire" meaning. This variety is peculiar and full of wild interest. It is an excellent indoor potted flower in winter. It is also a new variety worth promoting. It is suitable for display on desks, shelves and cabinets. It can also be planted in hanging pots. It is hung in front of windows and swayed with the wind. It is very beautiful.