Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Chenille Plant

Q. We just purchased a chenille plant for fun and for the kids. Can you give us more information about the care?

A. Here is a summary, picture site and a fuller description:

Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida)
Pronunciation: a-ka-lee-fa his-pid-a
Care: Part Sun
Prefers moderately moist soil.
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to touch.
Do not allow the plant to sit in water.
Periodic flowering throughout the year when provided with the proper growing conditions.

Very good picture at:
http://countryflowerfarms.com/flower6.html

Chenille plants make excellent houseplants. They need strong light through a filtered shade. If the light is inadequate, then the plant will become spindly and not flower. Keep it in a warm location away from cold drafts. During winter, cut back on the watering, keeping it just wet enough to prevent the soil from drying out. Chenille plants do not age gracefully, so begin taking tip cuttings in the spring and rooting them. Discard the parent plant when it no longer produces decent flowers or looks poorly.

They thrive in high humidity and moist soil. Fertilize every couple of weeks from February until August. Keep pruned to desired form — and use prunings as cuttings for propagation purposes. Repot around the first of February. The plant does best in partial shade, not direct sunlight.