Chenille Plant is a vigorous tropical shrub in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) that is native to tropical areas. of the south Pacific. Genus name comes from the Greek name for nettles because of the nettle-like appearance of the leaves. Specific epithet means bristly regarding the bristly nature of the leaves. The plant can grow 4-6 feet tall and wide and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH and soil textures including clay soils and requires moderate moisture but not poorly drained soils. It has some drought tolerance once established but poor salt tolerance. Prune after flowering to maintain the desired size. Indoor plants should be fed monthly from spring through summer and need temperatures above 60 degrees F and high humidity. The showy flowers occur in pendulous clusters up to 18 inches long in pink to red colors. The large glossy leaves are heart-shaped and attractive. In zones 10-11 it can be grown as a hedge, specimen or container plant. It can be used as an annual or brought inside to overwinter in colder winter areas. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mostly trouble-free but mealybugs, scale, and red spider mites are occasional problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Acalypha .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | 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 | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
3 feet-6 feet; 6-feet-12 feet
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in. | Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Cordate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Dentate
Leaf feel
Prickly
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
6"-8" long medium green oval to heart-shaped leaves resemble nettle and can be bristly.
Flower color
Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Long Bloom Season; Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower detail
It can flower any time of year especially as a houseplant. Pendulous dark pink to bright red flower tassels that hang down from leaf axils and resemble caterpillars or soft yarn. Individual flowers are very small, mostly just feathery pistils, but are tightly packed along the raceme to form the furry catkin.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer; Winter
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Melanesia or Malesia
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants; Patio
Design feature
Accent
Garden tags
#red flowers #houseplant #interiorscape #showy flowers #drought tolerant #hanging baskets #long-lasting flowers #non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #tropical feel #container plant #shrub #hedge #accent