Alternanthera Ficoidea – Alternanthera – Joseph's Coat

🌿Plant Care Guide

📝 Description

Native to central and south america, Alternanthera is a very low, fast growing and easy to grow tropical ground cover plant for certain situations in the gulf regions. In a garden setting with ample irrigation, the plant adds a spot of striking colour, especially if the red leaved varieties are chosen. This is a compact, herbaceous perennial, planted for its crisped and corrugated leaves which, according to variety, may be a stunning green or red in colour. The small, pale flowers are quite insignificant, although they are in bloom all year. Relatively frost tolerant, it is propagated from cuttings, 2 to 5 cm in length. These root quickly and are best planted in organically rich, consistently moist, but not too wet, well drained soils in full sun, or in partial shade. Alternatively, seed can be sown as soon as ripe. As a perennial, the plants can also be divided in spring. Maintenance includes pinching stems or moderate shearing to keep the plants compact and bushy. A. Ficoidea is susceptible to nematodes and mealybugs, and often becomes very patchy; spider mites should be hosed off with water and fusarium wilt is combated by reducing water and removing infected plants. Useful for edgings and carpet bedding in beds, borders, containers, or under trees and shrubs, it can also be grown as a cool season annual in hot climates. Good in a formal garden or for seasonal interest. Plant 10 to 25 cm apart for groundcover effect. Alternanthera will need replacing after a very hard frost. If desired, feed twice weekly with a balanced soluble fertiliser.