Acalypha Hispida Plant

Acalypha hispida
Family Name:    Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms:    Acalypha sanderi
Common Name: Ekor Kuching, Buntut Kucing, Cat's Tail
Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) is a tropical shrub that produces soft and furry red pendulous flowers hanging down from the leaf axils, resembling strands of yarn or cat's tail that can be as long as 45 cm! It is easy to grow to a large shrub but can be maintained as a small plant by regular pruning, best planted on the ground as accent plant or grown in elevated containers.

Description 
Growth Form: Erect, rough-textured shrub which is able to grow up to about 1.5 - 3.5 m tall and 1 - 2 m wide.
Foliage: simple, alternate leaves measuring about 10 - 20 cm long and 7 - 10 cm wide. 
Stems: Woody stems
Flowers:   Male and female red flowers on separate plants, clustered in catkins and measuring up to 40 cm long.
Etymology:  Genus name Acalypha comes from the Greek word akelpe, which means unpleasant to touch.

Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference:     Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference:   Lots of Water, Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate: Moderate
Root Tolerance:       Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils

Pruning:  Can be pruned periodically to control its size and make the plant bushier.