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Poiret's copperleaf Acalypha poiretii

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Poiret's copperleaf:

Phonetic Spelling
ak-uh-LY-fuh poy-RET-ee-eye
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Chenille Plant is a tropical perennial 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.  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.

The genus name Acalypha comes from the Greek name for nettles because of the nettle-like appearance of the leaves. 

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

More information on Acalypha.

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See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White
  • var. pendula
'Alba', var. pendula
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#toxic#interiorscape#accent plant#hanging baskets#long-lasting flowers#summer flowers#sap#catkins#partial shade tolerant#tropical feel#container plant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White
  • var. pendula
'Alba', var. pendula
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#toxic#interiorscape#accent plant#hanging baskets#long-lasting flowers#summer flowers#sap#catkins#partial shade tolerant#tropical feel#container plant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Acalypha
    Species:
    poiretii
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    TX, Mexico, Central America, South America
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    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
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    20-inch long slender cat-tail like drooping spikes of flowers that are long lasting. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants throughout the year.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Oval green leaves with white hairs have serrated edges
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    green stem with white hairs
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; acute dermatitis after contact with milky sap
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Stems