{"title":"Tropical Chenille","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"169\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"167\"\u003eGenus: Acalypha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"384\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"181\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Euphorbiaceae\u003cbr data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"198\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"215\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical Chenille, Red Hot Cattail, Firetail, Fox Tail\u003cbr data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"290\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially Southeast Asia and the South Pacific\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"975\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"402\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"402\" data-end=\"405\"\u003eAcalypha is a diverse genus of flowering plants that includes shrubs, perennials, and annuals. One of the most striking ornamental species is \u003cem data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"565\"\u003eAcalypha hispida\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as the Tropical Chenille Plant. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub with large, heart-shaped leaves and dramatic, fluffy red flower spikes that resemble soft chenille or cattails. These blooms can grow up to 40 cm long and appear continuously in warm, humid climates. This showy tropical plant is often grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as a landscape focal point in frost-free areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"994\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"992\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1357\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1068\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1068\"\u003ePrefers full sun to partial shade—more sun encourages better blooming\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003eGrows best in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1207\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1207\"\u003eLikes high humidity and warm temperatures; protect from cool drafts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1267\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1267\"\u003ePrune regularly to maintain shape and promote bushiness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1357\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1357\"\u003eFertilize every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1385\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1383\"\u003eInteresting Tidbits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1880\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1481\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1481\"\u003eThe species name \u003cem data-start=\"1405\" data-end=\"1414\"\u003ehispida\u003c\/em\u003e means “hairy” or “bristly,” referring to the fuzzy flower spikes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1550\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1550\"\u003eIn tropical climates, it can grow up to 2–3 metres tall and wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003eOften grown as an annual or houseplant in temperate zones due to its cold sensitivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1643\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003eClosely related to other ornamental Acalypha species like \u003cem data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1722\"\u003eAcalypha wilkesiana\u003c\/em\u003e, which is grown for its colourful foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1880\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1880\"\u003eThe plant is mildly toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation—handle with care around pets and children\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.scottsnurseryonline.com\/collections\/tropical-chenille.oembed","provider":"Scott's Nursery Ltd. ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}