How to Propagate Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) - 2 Propagation Methods

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Acalypha hispida commonly called Chenille Plant, Red Hot Cat Tail, Monkey Tail, Foxtail or Philippine Medusa is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water.

Chenille Plant is a popular flowering plant on account of its pendulous, brilliantly colored, furry flowers which make it great for a hanging basket or a pedestal.

Acalypha hispida has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit because of its attractiveness and brilliantly colored, furry flowers.

Chenille Plant also called Red Hot Cat Tail blossoms in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-28⁰C, humidity between 55-70% and moderately moist, well drained, all purpose potting soil that is rich in organic matter coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida).

We have herebelow outlined 2 ways of propagating Red Hot Cat Tail. Keep reading to learn how to successfully multiply this spectacular flowering plant.

1. How to propagate Chenille Plant from stem cuttings in water

1. Take 4-5 inch stem cuttings from a healthy Chenille Plant while making sure that it has at least 2 leaves. Also, ensure it has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


3. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.


4. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, rooting soil.


5. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


7. Transfer the new Acalypha hispida into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained after which you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Chenille Plant from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take 4-5 inch stem cuttings from a healthy Chenille Plant while ensuring that it has at least 2 leaves. In addtition, confirm that it has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


3. Select a rooting container and ensure that it has adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can cause rotting of the cutting.


4. Fill the container with free-draining, potting mix and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem cutting.


5. Insert about 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the stem cutting in the previously made hole and slightly firm the soil around the stem cutting while taking care not to bury it too deep.


6. Water the soil thoroughly. To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a greenhouse effect by covering the set up with a clear polythene sheet or bag.


7. Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the sheet or bag too much by propping it up with sticks.


8. Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges. New growth indicates the cutting has rooted.


9. In about 2-3 weeks, rooting of the cutting will have taken place.


10. Gradually, over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover to acclimatize the new plant.


11. In about 4-6 months, there will be adequate plant growth and you can begin routine care for Acalypha hispida.

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