Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Joseph's Coat, Parrot Leaf

Description:

This spectacular plant is perfect for indoor containers, tolerates partial shade, but most vivid color is produced in full sun

Features & Attributes

Little Ruby Alternanthera's attractive glossy oval leaves remain burgundy in color with curious ruby-red undersides throughout the year on a plant with a mounded habit of growth.

This is an herbaceous evergreen houseplant with a mounded form. Its extremely fine and delicate texture is quite ornamental and should be used to full effect. This plant may benefit from an occasional pruning to look its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Little Ruby Alternanthera can be expected to grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. This houseplant will do well in a location that gets either direct or indirect sunlight, although it will usually require a more brightly-lit environment than what artificial indoor lighting alone can provide. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will suffer if left to grow in standing water. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is not particular as to soil type or pH; an average potting soil should work just fine.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --