Plant DetailShow Menu

Red-hot Cat Tail Acalypha hispida

Previously known as:

  • Acalypha densiflora
  • Acalypha sanderi
Phonetic Spelling
ack-ah-LY-fah HIS-pid-ah
Description

Chenille Plant is a vigorous tropical shrub in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) that is native to tropical areas. of the south Pacific. Genus name comes from the Greek name for nettles because of the nettle-like appearance of the leaves. Specific epithet means bristly regarding the bristly nature of the leaves. 

The plant can grow 4-6 feet tall and wide and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH and soil textures including clay soils and requires moderate moisture but not poorly drained soils. It has some drought tolerance once established but poor salt tolerance.  Prune after flowering to maintain the desired size. Indoor plants should be fed monthly from spring through summer and need temperatures above 60 degrees F and high humidity.

The showy flowers occur in pendulous clusters up to 18 inches long in pink to red colors. The large glossy leaves are heart-shaped and attractive.

In zones 10-11 it can be grown as a hedge, specimen or container plant. It can be used as an annual or brought inside to overwinter in colder winter areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Mostly trouble-free but mealybugs, scale, and red spider mites are occasional problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Acalypha.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White flowers
  • ‘White Margined’
    Creamy teeth on the margins
'Alba', ‘White Margined’
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#shrub#red flowers#interiorscape#green roof#hanging baskets#long-lasting flowers#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White flowers
  • ‘White Margined’
    Creamy teeth on the margins
'Alba', ‘White Margined’
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#shrub#red flowers#interiorscape#green roof#hanging baskets#long-lasting flowers#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Acalypha
    Species:
    hispida
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Melanesia or Malesia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
    Flower Description:
    It can flower any time of year especially as a houseplant. Pendulous dark pink to bright red flower tassels that hang down from leaf axils and resemble caterpillars or soft yarn. Individual flowers are very small, mostly just feathery pistils, but are tightly packed along the raceme to form the furry catkin.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    6"-8" long medium green oval to heart-shaped leaves resemble nettle and can be bristly.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought