A member of the spurge family the Chenille plant is named after the French word Acalypha hispida. Its long and fuzzy crimson flowers add textural interest to a sunny flower garden or homemade bouquet. The plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and includes other ornamental varieties such as poinsettia croton and castor bean. The leaves of the chenille plant are invisible but its invisible red flowers take center stage. The anatomy of the flower consists of a simple row covered with low catkins that provide visual and tactile enjoyment for all ages. It makes a good houseplant all year round and is best planted in spring.

The chenille plant grows well in full sun to partial shade but avoid planting outdoors in direct afternoon sun. As a houseplant grow it in a greenhouse or place it next to a south facing window where it will receive enough light all year round.

The chenille plant grows in a range of soils including sand clay and loam but is not suitable for seaside gardens as the plant is moderately drought tolerant and intolerant of salt. The chenille plant can tolerate a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Keep your plant consistently moist as it becomes established and then maintain moderate moisture throughout the season. It is a good idea to check the soil every two to three days and water before the soil is completely dry. Although this plant prefers soil that is moist to the touch avoid overwatering to the point of soaking.

The chenille plant does not deny its tropical origins and thrives in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

A fast growing plant the chenille plant needs regular fertilization for its flowering and development. Standard feeding every week is not enough to support many spectacular annuals. Instead give the chenille plant a half strength balanced flower fertilizer every week for best results. If the plant begins to develop yellow leaves supplement the fertilizer with a shovel of manure into the soil.

Like many fast growers the chenille plant can become carefree and restless as summer progresses. In the fall when the wilted brown spots begin to look unsightly cut the plants back to 12 inches from the soil. Next year you ll have double the blooms of a compact multi branched plant. If you want an upright specimen train the plant to a standard form. To do so first cut off all leaves and stems from the bottom two inches of your plant. Once a week cut off all the leaves that grow two inches from the bottom of the plant until you have the desired stem length. A support for trunk exposed trunk and small soft ties. Over time the trunk becomes hard and woody like a real trunk. You should remove branches from the stem weekly to prevent the plant from going backwards.

This plant can be easily propagated by cuttings. Add a potting container containing perlite soil and plant starting mix. Pour the potting mix into your containers and water until moist. After that plant the cuttings there. Once the plant has taken root you can continue to grow it in its pot or move it to an outdoor location in your garden.