Chenille Plant / Red-Hot Cat’s Tail
Acalypha hispida
description
Chenille Plant is a tropical shrub famous for long fuzzy red flower tassels.
benefits
- Flowering
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for Chenille Plant
sunlight
In tropical gardens, chenille plant grows in bright, open light. Give it your brightest window indoors to keep the fuzzy red tassels coming.
Bright light with some direct sun
An east, west, or sunny south-facing window works well. A few hours of gentle morning sun is ideal; protect it from harsh afternoon sun behind hot glass, especially in summer.
Bright indirect light - tolerated
It can grow in strong filtered light, but expect fewer or shorter blooms. Move it closer to the window if flowering slows or new growth becomes thin and stretched.
watering
Spring and summer
Water thoroughly about every 4-7 days, when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Let excess drain away. Bright light, warmth, small pots, and dry air can make it thirsty sooner.
Autumn and winter
Growth slows in lower light, so water roughly every 7-14 days. Check that the top 1-2 inches are dry and the pot feels lighter before watering. Do not let the whole root ball become bone dry, or leaves may droop and flower tassels can fade early.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Chenille Plant comes from warm, humid tropical areas. Average household humidity is usually fine if it stays above about 40%, but fuller foliage and better flower tassels are more likely at 50% or higher.
How to increase humidity
- Group it with other plants or use a small humidifier nearby.
- Keep it away from heating vents, air conditioners, and cold drafts.
- Give it good airflow rather than constantly misting the fuzzy flowers.
temperature
Preferred range
Winter minimum
Chenille Plant comes from warm tropical climates, so it grows best in steady indoor warmth. Keep it above 15°C (59°F), especially at night, as cool conditions can slow growth and cause leaf drop.
nutrition
March - August
Feed every 2-4 weeks while the plant is making new leaves and flower tassels. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer for flowering houseplants at about half strength, applied to already-moist soil. In lower light or when growth slows in autumn and winter, stop feeding or reduce to about once every 6-8 weeks.
Potassium
Potassium supports healthy flowering and sturdy growth. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing the plant into soft, leafy growth at the expense of tassels.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen keeps the large leaves green and supports new growth. Give it moderately: pale new leaves during active growth may suggest the plant needs feeding, but check light and watering first.
soil
Rich, airy, moisture-retentive soil
Chenille plant grows best in an organic-rich mix that stays lightly moist but drains freely, so its fine roots get both water and air. Combine quality potting soil with compost or coco coir and a handful of perlite or fine bark.
pH 5,5 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic soil. Most peat- or coco-based houseplant mixes fall close to this range, especially when refreshed with compost. Avoid heavily limed mixes, which can make nutrients harder for the plant to use.