Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Acalypha pendula or Firetail

The Acalypha genus, family of the Euphorbiaceae, includes some 500 species of tropical plants native to Asia and America. Some species are: Acalypha pendula, Acalypha wilkesiana, Acalypha hispida, Acalypha virginica.

Common names: Firetail Chenille plant, Red hot cat tails, Firetail.

They are creeping or hanging plants with serrated edge leaves very similar to those of Hydrangeas but smaller. The most interesting thing is its curious red inflorescences that resemble the tail of a fox. They bloom in summer.

They are used as houseplants, usually in hanging pots.

The Acalypha pendula needs a very bright exposure but without direct sun and temperatures not lower than 15 ºC (59 ºF).

A good soil for these plants would be a mixture, in equal parts, of peat, garden soil and mulch. They can be transplanted into a slightly larger pot (2 cm more in diameter) once all inflorescences have been lost.

Water frequently throughout the year so that the soil is always wet but never puddled.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants during spring and autumn.

It's advisable to eliminate the withered flowers and prune them after flowering so that the plant branches and produces more flowers the following year.

If the environment is very dry they can be attacked by mealybugs and mites.

Propagation is difficult if you are not an expert, so we recommend purchasing specimens at garden centers, nurseries and plant shops.

Images of the indoor plant Acalypha pendula or Firetail