Its long and fuzzy crimson blooms provide textural interest to a sunny flower garden or ahomegrown bouquet.
Read on for our care guide.
Chenille plant can adapt to soil pH values between 6.0 to 7.5.
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While this plant likes soil damp to the touch, overwatering to the point of soaking might kill it.
Fertilizer
A fast-growing plant, chenille plant needs regular fertilizing to support its flowering and development.
The standard every other week feeding that supports most showy annuals is not sufficient.
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Instead, feed chenille plant a half-strength balanced flower fertilizer every week for best results.
Next year, you will be rewarded with double the flowers on a compact, multibranched plant.
If you desire an upright specimen, train the plant into a standard form.
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To do so, first, trim all leaves and stems from the bottom two inches of your plant.
Support the trunk (the exposed stem) witha stake and small, soft ties.
Over time, the stem will become tough and woody like a real trunk.
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Propagating Chenille Plant
Dont attempt to grow chenille plant from a seed youve saved yourself.
It won’t work.
Instead, buy nursery plants, or start in the spring with fresh cuttings from the previous seasons plants.
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It needs as much light and humidity as possible during the winter.
Potted plants also need to experience dormancy so reduce water and fertilizer during the winter months.
Mist the plant daily to create an inhospitable environment for these sucking pests.
This plant harbors no diseases of major concern.
During this time, don’t expect flowers.
Instead, wait patiently for its next spring bloom.
What Do Chenille Plant Flowers Look Like?
The foliage of the chenille plant is unremarkable, however, its fuzzy red flowers take center stage.
How to Encourage Bloom
Cold temperatures and lack of sunlight prevent blooming.
If you’re growing chenille in a container, bring it indoors when nights dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep indoor plants away from drafts.
Additionally, confirm todeadheadspent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Container plants, however, are regulated by pot size and remain smaller.
Chenille plant is dioecious, meaning that plants are gender-specific.
The female plants produce the best and most beautiful flowers.
