Acalypha Species, Dwarf Chenille, Firetail

Acalypha reptans

Family
Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Acalypha (ak-uh-LY-fuh)
Species
reptans (REP-tanz)
Synonym
Acalypha pendula
Acalypha chamaedrifolia
Acalypha repens
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Succulent
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Scarlet (dark red)
Bloom Time
Blooms repeatedly
Other Details
Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Anniston, Alabama

Cherokee Village, Arkansas

Carlsbad, California

Los Angeles, California

Mission Viejo, California

San Diego, California

San Francisco, California

San Rafael, California

Santa Monica, California

Bartow, Florida

Big Pine Key, Florida

Bradley, Florida

Deltona, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Homestead, Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

Niceville, Florida(2 reports)

Oldsmar, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Palm Harbor, Florida

Pompano Beach, Florida(2 reports)

Sebastian, Florida

Stuart, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida

Tampa, Florida

Vero Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Weston, Florida

Zephyrhills, Florida

Townsend, Georgia

Barbourville, Kentucky

Baton Rouge, Louisiana(2 reports)

Zachary, Louisiana

Britton, Michigan

Canton, Mississippi

Senatobia, Mississippi

Orient, New York

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina

Portland, Oregon

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Anderson, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Beaumont, Texas

Houston, Texas

New Caney, Texas

Nome, Texas

Richmond, Texas

San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Kalama, Washington

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

13
positives
7
neutrals
2
negatives
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P
Niceville, FL (Zone 8b) | May 2018 | negative

I planted this in my garden and now it has taken over. The runners are deep and many. I pull and dig to no avail. If you want this pla...Read More

J
Palm Harbor, FL | September 2015 | neutral

I planted several of these as groundcover in an area where they'd mostly get dappled part sun in late summer. They are easy to get establ...Read More

A
Townsend, GA | April 2015 | positive

I live in coastal Georgia, zone 8b. Years ago I used to have this in pots but would set them outside on the ground for summer. Then I lef...Read More

G
Tampa, FL | July 2012 | neutral

I tried and tried to root this plant and have finally had success. I have it in beds by my front door and it blooms all the time, I real...Read More

C
Houston, TX | April 2012 | positive

Bought this plant 3 yrs ago and it never stops blooming - likes it on the dry side and I try to fertilize almost everytime I water (2-3 t...Read More

M
Philadelphia, PA | May 2010 | neutral

I just purchased the prettiest pink firetail chenille plant.

Is this safe to have around cats?

B
Senatobia, MS | April 2010 | positive

I absolutely love this plant! I am not one that does well with plants at all...but, so far I've manged to keep the two that I bought last...Read More

T
mid central, FL (Zone 9a) | February 2010 | positive

i do like this plant but be aware that if you plant it in the ground, it does spread by underground runners. it dies back during heavy f...Read More

P
P
| October 2009 | positive

From Medellin, Colombia

This plant does very well here in Medellin, Colombia. It is popular and appears to have been grown...Read More

H
Sebastian, FL (Zone 9b) | June 2009 | positive

When I first bought this plant I hung it from a tree that hadn't leafed out yet because the tag said it needed full sun, and it was not a...Read More

A
South Sioux City, NE | March 2008 | positive

I really like this plant, and don't see it around too often. The first two winters with this plant was misserable. It would drop all leav...Read More

B
San Rafael, CA | January 2007 | positive

Gorgeous plants with smaller blooms than some of the other chenille plant varieties. I do love these plants and they are great for indoor...Read More

B
San Rafael, CA | January 2007 | neutral

I love this plant! Commonly called a Strawberry Firetail or "Chenille Plant". I just recently purchased 3 small 4" plants and one large 6...Read More

P
| May 2006 | negative

I live in Queensland Australia, I planted a small pot of acalypha reptans in my garden, looked gorgeous took over. I eventually had to pu...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | August 2005 | positive

I use mine as a groundcover also. very pretty, did not die for me in winter. low maint. spreads but easy to remove.

D
Bartow, FL | January 2005 | positive

It has been living with no care in my zone 9 garden for 3 years now. Frost has not bothered it, possibly it is protected by taller plant...Read More

D
Tallahassee, FL (Zone 8b) | January 2005 | neutral

Note, the hardiness zones are no joke. I left mine outside in zone 8b during a light freeze and it's dead! Bring 'em inside!

R
R
RDT
Crossville, TN (Zone 6b) | November 2004 | positive

Nice looking. I use it as a houseplant in the winter and then it remains outside once our weather has warmed.

B
B
Chula Vista, CA | September 2003 | positive

I have grown this plant both in Japan, near Tokyo, and now in San Diego, CA. In both places it seemed happy in shade or dappled shade and...Read More

T
| June 2003 | positive

I've had my red firetail plant in a hanging basket,outside, in moderate sun. I live in Wisconsin- temp. now (summer) is averaging in the ...Read More

O
O
Kewaskum, WI | May 2003 | neutral

I just bought this plant in a hanging basket. I have it outside for the summer and will bring it into the house in the winter.

M
(Zone 11) | April 2003 | neutral

This species is a small version of the common Red-Hot Cat Tail. The general requirements are also quite similar. The only differences I n...Read More

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