A potted plant that bursts its pot as soon as it blooms, with a flowering period of 10 months and it can even treat burns

If your home is full of green plants and you want to add some other flowers, you can try growing this plant called "red hot cat's tail" (Acalypha hispida). It has a large flowering volume and a very long flowering period, a typical example of green leaves paired with red flowers, and red hot cat's tail also has medicinal uses. Keep it potted at home and you won't need to ask anyone for help with minor ailments and pains.

The red hot cat's tail looks quite soft and cute overall. Its leaves are glossy green all year round, just like a pothos, but it produces red spike-like inflorescences. When potted, these red flowers grow 30-60 cm long and hang down like a dog's tail, and can be made into hanging flower baskets. Placed anywhere in the home, they are very beautiful.

In some scenic areas or parks in the warmer southern regions, it can be seen outdoors all year round, but because red hot cat's tail is not very cold-tolerant, in northern regions or southern regions where winters are colder, it is mainly grown in pots and cared for indoors.

For ordinary potted plants, we do not talk about their medicinal uses, but red hot cat's tail is different. Its whole plant can be used as medicine. Taken internally, it can treat enteritis, dysentery and other conditions; for external use, it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. After being burned, grind it into powder and apply it directly to the injured area. Besides relieving pain, it also promotes wound healing. Kept potted at home, it is both ornamental and useful.

Red hot cat's tail likes a warm environment, with a suitable temperature of 20°C-30°C, and is not cold-tolerant. Now that the weather is gradually turning colder, when the temperature drops below 15°C, we should move it indoors for care.

When caring for red hot cat's tail, besides paying attention to temperature, you also need to give it plenty of sunlight. Red hot cat's tail likes an environment with ample sunlight. Apart from needing shade during the hottest part of summer, it can be grown in full sun all year round.

The last thing to pay attention to is water and fertilizer. Red hot cat's tail likes plenty of moisture. During the growing season, the potting soil should be kept moist frequently. Pay attention to watering and do not let it get too dry. If you want to fertilize, during its growing season you can apply a dilute fertilizer solution rich in potassium twice a month, which is even more beneficial for its flowering.

The flowering period of red hot cat's tail is from February to November each year. In fact, apart from the two coldest months, it can basically bloom all year round. Overall, it is still relatively easy to care for.