Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida) is a conservatory or greenhouse grown type of plant that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida).
This plant has several common names including: red-hot cat’s tail or chenille plant.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: red-hot cat’s tail, chenille plant
Scientific name: Acalypha hispida
Plant type: Conservatory & Greenhouse, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida) – Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, clay or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Acalypha hispida likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Red-hot cat’s tail (Acalypha hispida) – Don McCulley, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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