This tropical plant likes warmth and humidity and can handle full sun. Grow it in sandy or loamy soil with slight acidity. With fast growth (this plant has unusually long, quickly spreading stems in its native environment in Southeast Asia), regular pruning is beneficial. But even without trimming, it will not grow to such great lengths when kept as a houseplant. Do expect a brief dormancy, during which you will water this plant less often.

This plant offers a lush array of green leaves which are rather simple in their shape and coloration. The leaves become the perfect backdrop for crimson caterpillar-like blooms which look unlike most flowers… fuzzy, fluffy, elongated puffs of crimson color. The flowers are soft to the touch and have an amazingly fun appeal. Grow this one to put a smile on someone’s face!