Acalypha reptans (Dwarf chenille)

Botanical name

Acalypha reptans

Other names

Dwarf chenille, Red cat's tail, Acalypha chamaedrifolia, Acalypha pendula, Firetail

Genus

Acalypha Acalypha

Species

A. reptans - A. reptans is a tender, trailing, evergreen shrub, often grown as an annual bedding plant, with oval to rounded, pointed, toothed, mid-green leaves and fluffy, catkin-like racemes of red or pink flowers from spring to autumn.

Native to

Papua New Guinea

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Trailing

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

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Colour

Flower

Red in All seasons

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Glasshouse whitefly , Mealybugs

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 9.

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Acalypha reptans (Dwarf chenille) will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.6m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Hedging/Screens, Greenhouse, Containers, Conservatory, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Grow under glass in loam-less potting compost in full or filtered light. In growth, water freely & feed monthly. In frost free areas, grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Will bloom throughout the year in warm climates.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Acalypha reptans (Dwarf chenille)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Acalypha reptans (Dwarf chenille)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Acalypha reptans (Dwarf chenille)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spilostethus hospes

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Seed bug unlikely to pose a significant threat to UK plant health.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/