Genus · Euphorbiaceae
Acalypha
3 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Acalypha wilkesiana
Jacob's Coat
Acalypha wilkesiana is a tropical shrub from the warm islands of the South Pacific, grown for its mottled copper-and-pink foliage. It wants warmth, steady but not soggy moisture, and bright indirect light to keep its leaf color; water when the top inch of mix has dried, and let excess drain freely.
Acalypha hispida
Chenilleplant
Acalypha hispida is a tropical shrub from the warm, humid islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, grown for its long red catkin-like flower spikes. It wants bright indirect light, consistent warmth, and evenly moist but never waterlogged soil; water when the top inch of mix has dried, erring toward the drier end to avoid rot. As a tropical species it appreciates higher humidity and good drainage.
Acalypha herzogiana
Dwarf Chenilleplant
Acalypha herzogiana is a subshrub from subtropical South America, where it grows in warm, seasonally moist conditions. Give it bright indirect light and let the top inch of mix dry before watering again, hedging toward dry rather than soggy since persistent wetness invites root rot. As a woody Euphorbiaceae subshrub it tolerates a steady medium humidity typical of most homes.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Acalypha keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 3 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.