Also known as Chenille Plant · 7 saves
Acalypha
Acalypha, the genus most gardeners know as chenille plant. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Acalypha varieties
2 species of Acalypha
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Acalypha in Sow
Save the Acalypha you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Acalypha
Whats common across all Acalypha varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Acalypha year
- PlantMay and June67% of varieties
Plant outdoors in containers or beds after all danger of frost has passed.
- Check for PestsJuly and August67% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites and whiteflies during hot, dry spells.
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with the irritating milky sap.
Avoid
- Overwater leading to soggy soil ❌
- Heavy pruning during dormancy
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Neglect pruning after flowering
What goes wrong with Acalypha
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage under hot, dry conditions. | Maintain adequate soil moisture and spray the undersides of leaves with a sharp stream of water. |
| Whiteflies | Small, white-winged insects fluttering around the foliage and sticky honeydew on leaf surfaces. | Introduce beneficial predatory insects or apply insecticidal soap to the undersides of leaves. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on the leaf surfaces during periods of high humidity. | Space plants to ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
| Leaf spot | Small, dark brown or black spots on the foliage, occasionally causing premature leaf drop. | Remove affected foliage and water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry. |
Making more Acalypha
Seed
- Collect dry seed capsules in late autumn once they turn brown.
- Sow seeds directly onto the soil surface in spring after the last frost.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge and establish taproots.
cuttings
- Select healthy stems in late spring.
- Cut 4-inch sections and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone if desired.
- Plant in moist soil or potting mix.
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Acalypha questions
How many types of Acalypha are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Acalypha varieties. The most popular — ranked by 7 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Acalypha grow in?
Across its varieties, Acalypha covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Acalypha bloom?
Most Acalypha varieties bloom in summer to fall, summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Acalypha should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.