Alternanthera: Complete Guide to Species, Care, and Ornamental Uses
The gender Alternanthera It is part of the important group of plants of the family Amaranthaceae, appreciated worldwide for both the variety of species and the chromatic richness they bring to any space. With more than 140 species distributed Across all continents, Alternanthera has been gaining popularity not only in outdoor gardening, but also in interior and aquarium decoration, where some varieties have become protagonists due to their resistance and underwater beauty.
The uniqueness of Alternanthera lies in its leaves, which can be green, purple, magenta, pink, or a combination of shades, depending on the species and variety. Its adaptability allows it to grow both as a ground cover in parks and gardens, and in flowerbeds, flowerbeds, pots, and even as an aquatic plant in aquariums. In addition, species such as Alternanthera phycoidea, Alternanthera reineckii, Alternanthera bettzickiana y Alternanthera brasiliana They stand out for their easy cultivation, low maintenance and ornamental effect throughout the year in warm climates or during the warm season in colder areas.
Features Alternanthera phycoidea
Native to tropical locations in America, the Alternanthera phycoidea It receives common names such as coquette, mosaic or planter. It is a perennial herbaceous plant Low and branched, with a compact, carpeting growth. It usually reaches between 15 and 50 cm in height, making it a preferred choice for borders, rockeries, easy-maintenance flowerbeds and colorful carpets that stand out in the garden.
Its maximum aesthetic appeal lies in its leaves are generally small and oval, with shades ranging from deep green to purple, red, or magenta, varying in intensity and pattern depending on sunlight exposure and variety. The foliage is dense and highly decorative year-round in warm climates.
Although the flowering The Alternanthera ficoidea is common, but it does not have great ornamental value, as the inflorescences are white, small, and inconspicuous. Its main use lies in the visual impact generated by the color and texture of its leaves. This species is perfect for creating contrasts alongside plants with green foliage or vibrantly colored flowers, thus achieving combinations with high decorative impact in gardens and outdoor spaces. For more ideas on plants with striking foliage, consult our purple plants.
Caring for the Alternanthera phycoidea
so that the Alternanthera phycoidea shine in all its splendor, it is essential to provide it with the right conditions in terms of light, temperature, irrigation and substrate:
- Light: Prefer full sun to intensify the color of its leaves, although it can also adapt to semi-shadowIndoors, place it in a very bright location near a window.
- Temperature: It is sensitive to cold and temperatures below 15°C can damage it or cause it to lose its leaves, so it cannot tolerate frost.
In temperate climates it behaves as a perennial, while in cold zones it can act as an annual. - Ground: Requires a loose substrate, with good drainage and rich in organic matter. It's advisable to add sand to promote aeration and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Irrigation: The frequency of watering depends on the season and location:
- In spring and summer you have to water regularly regular but moderate, allowing the surface layer of the substrate to dry between waterings. Never allow puddles to form.
- In autumn and winter, watering should be drastically reduced due to lower requirements and higher environmental humidity.
- Fertilizer: It appreciates applications of mineral fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer. You can use a balanced fertilizer for ornamental leafy plants or one specifically for flowering plants, always following the manufacturer's instructions.
To achieve a more compact appearance and prevent the plant from becoming leggy, lightly prune the tips of the stems, which will stimulate branching. This is especially advisable after flowering.
As for pests, Alternanthera ficoidea is generally resistant, but can be affected by fungi if drainage is inadequate and occasionally by insects such as aphids or mealybugs. To prevent problems, avoid wetting the foliage during watering and check the plant periodically.
La multiplication It's easily propagated by cuttings taken in spring or summer. It can also be propagated by seed, but cuttings guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of the parent variety, especially the foliage color.
Alternanthera brasiliana: characteristics and care
La Alternanthera brasilianaKnown as Purple alternantera, metal grass, blood leaf, ruby ​​leaf or parrot leaf, originates from Central and South America. It is distinguished by its more vertical appearance, which can easily surpass the meter in height under ideal conditions. Its red, green, or purple stems and vigorous growth make it ideal for creating borders, flowerbeds, beds and large gardens.
The opposite leaves can reach up to 10 cm long, starting out bright green and turning purple, deep red, or malinche as it matures. Its foliage provides a spectacular backdrop for ornamental combinations.
Throughout the year, especially during the colder season, small white flowers appear in clusters of spherical pompoms. These contrast with the dark foliage and are decorative, although they are not the main visual attraction.
- Exhibition: It requires full sun to achieve maximum color intensity in its leaves.
- Temperature: It does not tolerate frost. In cold areas, it behaves as a deciduous tree.
- Ground: Prefers normal garden soils, but with excellent drainageA mixture of compost and coarse sand improves aeration and prevents waterlogging.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate moist but never soaked during warm weather; in autumn and winter, drastically reduce the frequency of watering.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer with a balanced mineral fertilizer to promote growth and color intensity.
- Pruning: After flowering, prune to encourage a compact growth and renew foliage.
Alternanthera brasiliana is excellent in combination with other species with striking foliage, such as Senna, Coreopsis and Tagetes, creating blends of colors and textures for vibrant gardens. It also adapts well to pots on patios and terraces.
Features Alternanthera reineckii in aquarium
La Alternanthera reineckii It is native to regions of southern Brazil and Paraguay. It is distinguished by being a plant emerged and aquatic, developing perfectly submerged in freshwater aquariums and also out of water.
Its leaves are oval, about 3,5 cm long and 1,5 cm wide, lack a petiole and have a two-tone effect: the upper surface is green, while the lower surface is tinged with pink or deep red, creating an attractive visual effect underwater. The root system is fibrous and very prolific, helping to anchor the plant firmly and contributing to the biological balance of the aquarium.
In shallow aquariums, Alternanthera reineckii can grow vertically until it emerges from the water, developing leaves adapted to aerial life. If these shoots are cut and submerged again, they tend to shed these leaves, renewing themselves with leaves adapted to the underwater environment.
In summer, the plant can produce green, yellow or pink flowers when it grows partially out of water, although in conventional aquariums it is rare to observe flowering.
Care and maintenance of the Alternanthera reineckii in aquarium
To keep an Alternanthera reineckii healthy and colorful underwater, you must observe the following care:
- Lighting: Needs to bright, intense lightThe more light the leaves receive, the more vibrant the red and purple hues will be. Use direct natural light or LED lamps specifically designed for planted aquariums.
- Temperature: The optimal range is between 24 and 28 ° CLower temperatures slow their development.
- Water: Perform regular water changes, as stagnant or aged water will cause plants to lose vigor and color. Keep the water clean and maintain its hardness for healthy growth.
- Substratum: Choose a loose substrate rich in organic matter. It's best to plant it in groups at the bottom or sides of the aquarium, simulating small, colorful hedges.
- Fertilizer: Mineral fertilizer is essential. Add compounds with iron, potassium, nitrogen and micronutrients specific for aquatic plants on a regular basis.
- Pruning: Because it grows quickly, trim the tops of the stems before they emerge from the water to encourage branching and keep the plant compact and attractive.
Avoid excessively dense planting to ensure all plants receive light and nutrients. This will result in colorful, eye-catching clumps in your aquarium.
Alternanthera bettzickiana: explosion of color in gardens and pots
Alternanthera bettzickiana is characterized by its compact, oval leaves, in colors ranging from deep green to purple, red, or pink, sometimes with slightly wavy veins and edges. It's ideal both as a ground cover in gardens and for creating contrasts in flowerbeds and borders. They're usually grown outdoors in full sun and indoors in brightly lit rooms, providing a lush, tropical look.
- Light: Prefers the bright indirect light indoors; outdoors, it needs full sun to enhance the colors of the foliage.
- Temperature: It resists warm temperatures well, adapting to ranges of 18 to 30 ° C. It does not tolerate severe cold or frost.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate slightly moist, watering when the top layer begins to dry out. Avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning: Prune occasionally to maintain its compact appearance and encourage dense growth.
- Substratum: Loose, fertile and well-drained, enriched with organic matter.
