Chenille Plant Overview
The Chenille Plant has been well-loved at Logee’s for many years. Whenever you visit Logee’s, you will almost always see the everblooming Chenille plants lining the benches, showing off their dazzling, fuzzy blooms.
Today, when I walked through the greenhouses the long drooping catkins (flowers) of the chenille plant seemed brighter and more cheery than usual. June sunshine is much brighter and intense than even the March sunshine just several months ago. So of course, this would make sense because the chenille plant loves bright sunny light, which brings out the richness of color in its blooms.
Another observation I had was Chenille plant’s versatility. All in the same space I noticed the two different varieties that we grow and their subtle differences in shape and culture.
Also known as “Red Hot Cattails,” Acalypha hispida makes an eye-catching standard, where the central stem is trimmed clean of all leaves and flowers and left with a full crown on top. This conversation piece has a shrub-like growth habit and bright green leaves that are continually bedecked with long drooping, furry-red catkins that are longer than our other variety. It can be grown in a hanging basket or trained to have a central stem with flowers and leaves cascading off the stem for the entire height. A fast grower, this chenille plant will bring months of continuous bloom to any sunny exposure.
Chenille Plant Care
When caring for a chenille plant, it's important to keep several factors in mind. With these care tips, your chenille plant will thrive, adding a unique touch of texture and color to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Watering
Chenille plants prefer consistently moist soil but not soggy. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing - During the growing season (spring to early autumn), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage lush growth and vibrant blossoms.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter, is ideal for the chenille plant. You can use a mix designed for tropical plants or add some perlite to regular potting soil.
Light
Place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, so a spot near a window with filtered sunlight or a location with bright, diffused light is ideal.