Chenille Plant Acalypha poiretii

Chenille Plant is a tropical annual plant native to Mexico, Central, and South America.  In North Carolina, it is commonly grown as a houseplant in a hanging basket or in a patio container that can be brought indoors over the winter.  The genus name Acalypha comes from the Greek name for nettles because of the nettle-like appearance of the leaves.  It has brightly colored dramatically long flowers that resemble the tail of a cat.  This plant needs good air circulation and high humidity so it appreciates misting of the leaves occasionally.  It is tolerant of many soils but does not like wet feet and it has a very poor tolerance for salt.    Prune the plants down to 4 to 8 inches every spring to encourage new growth and increase the bloom and deadhead any spent flowers.