Chenille Plant Plant Care

Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Acalypha genus. Chenille Plant is native to Oceania. Chenille Plant is also known as Foxtail.

Chenille Plant displays a fast-growing, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chenille Plant produces insignificant flowers, grown for colorful foliage instead.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chenille Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chenille Plant thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Chenille Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Acalypha hispida tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Chenille Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Good drainage is essential for Chenille Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chenille Plant every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light to partial shade and well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chenille Plant is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chenille Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chenille Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chenille Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chenille Plant can be propagated through acalypha can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chenille Plant is susceptible to common pests for acalypha include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chenille Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Chenille Plant is native to Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Chenille Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.