Alternanthera dentata
Taxonomy
Alternanthera dentata, also known as little ruby, ruby leaf alternanthera, or joyweed, is a fast-growing ornamental groundcover plant in the amaranth family. It is native to the West Indies and Brazil and is primarily cultivated for its colorful foliage. 'Royal Tapestry' is a dark green perennial with purple and bronze flushes, featuring brighter purple undersides. It can be grown under glass or used as a bedding plant, and produces insignificant white flowers in autumn. Brazilian Red Hots, another cultivar of Alternanthera dentata, is a vibrant perennial with green foliage throughout the year. It is commonly used as a ground cover or potted plant and has showy red leaves. This bush grows to a height of 24-36 inches and a width of 12-18 inches, making it suitable for landscaping or as a ground cover.
How to care for Alternanthera dentata
Difficulty
Alternanthera dentata presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Lighting
Alternanthera dentata thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Alternanthera dentata.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Alternanthera Genus
Alternanthera ramosissima Joseph's Coat
Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed
Alternanthera porrigens Little Grapes
Alternanthera ficoidea Sanguinaria
Alternanthera sessilis Rabbit Meat
Alternanthera caracasana Mat Chaff Flower
Alternanthera nahui Nahui
Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed
Alternanthera brasiliana Ruby Leaf
