Achyranthes tomentosa Plant Care

Achyranthes tomentosa (Achyranthes margaretarum) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Achyranthes genus. Achyranthes tomentosa is native to Phillip Island, close to Norfolk Island in the south west Pacific Ocean. Achyranthes tomentosa is also known as Red hot cat's tail.

Achyranthes tomentosa displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Achyranthes tomentosa produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Achyranthes tomentosa 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.

Achyranthes tomentosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Achyranthes margaretarum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Achyranthes tomentosa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Achyranthes tomentosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Achyranthes tomentosa every 6 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Achyranthes tomentosa is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Achyranthes tomentosa 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 Achyranthes tomentosa 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.

Achyranthes tomentosa 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.

Achyranthes tomentosa can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shrub chaff-flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Achyranthes tomentosa is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Achyranthes tomentosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Achyranthes tomentosa is native to Phillip Island, close to Norfolk Island in the south west Pacific Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Achyranthes tomentosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.