Bristly Copperleaf Acalypha hispida
Other Common Name(s):
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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
White flowers - ‘White Margined’
Creamy teeth on the margins
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba', ‘White Margined’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
White flowers - ‘White Margined’
Creamy teeth on the margins
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba', ‘White Margined’
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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-
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.
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-
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
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought