Alternantera views. Tropical shrub Alternantera and its species (with photo)

Alternantera is unpretentious, pleases with a full crown when grown in a pot culture, amuses the eyes with variegated foliage, occupying sunny areas in flower beds, near arbors or near paths.

Post-Purchase Care

Having brought a flowerpot with an Alternatera bush home, overcome the desire to move the purchased pet to a common home garden. On the stems of a beginner there may be spores of gray rot, on the foliage - whiteflies, green aphids or spider mites.

It is easier to deal with any of the misfortunes on one plant than to treat infected green old-timers later.

It is advisable to place the flowerpot in a room with windows to the south, south-west side. When dusting the foliage, it is rational to arrange a light shower of warm water for the plant. When working alone, it is better to cover the ground in a pot with a plastic "curtain". When working with an assistant, it is enough to hold the flowerpot at an angle during the shower and not direct the water flow to the ground.

You can get acquainted with the appearance of the Alternantera plant in the photo below:

Watering

Provide the plant with moderately warm water, taking into account the warming and dryness of the air. On hot days, water more abundantly, on cool and low-sunshine, reduce the amount of water.

IMPORTANT. The soil around the plant should not crumble into dust, but moisture stagnation is unacceptable - it will lead to the formation of gray mold.

Excess water is not dangerous for the species used to form the flora in the aquarium environment.

Bloom

The dissolution of buds, forming spike-shaped, capitate inflorescences, does not increase the decorativeness of the plant, since the flowers are small, inconspicuous, hiding in the axils of the leaves near the main stem.

Dry to the touch, rarely formed in potted crops.

crown formation

All Alternaters are ground cover plants and tolerate pruning well. In the process of removing branches, the crown can be given a spherical, cubic shape.

REFERENCE. The fading of the color of the leaves is a sign of a lack of illumination.

Soil Features

When planting outdoors, avoid:

• loamy areas;
• poor soils shaded by nearby objects.

Alternators love soils:

• nutritional;
• moisture, breathable;
• neutrally acidic.

When filling indoor flowerpots, use:

• greenhouse mixture enriched with humus;
• a mixture of peat with garden soil, clean sand (all in equal proportions);
• sod, sand, humus, garden soil with a lot of last year's foliage (all in equal shares).

Landing and transplant

Before transplanting a plant or rooting a cutting, disinfect the potting soil by calcining or pouring boiling water over it.

Alternators grow strongly - when planting bushes in a flower bed, leave at least 8 cm between them.

Move bushes from a flower bed to containers or from a flowerpot to a larger pot in a transshipment way.

reproduction

The plant is bred:

• dividing an adult plant into two smaller bushes;
• cuttings.

Strong, healthy branches are chosen for cuttings.

Procedure algorithm:

1. The cut is made behind the node and the lower part of the stem is freed from the shoots.
2. The cuttings are placed in the ground somewhat below the level of the first leaves left.
3. The soil around the submerged end of the plant stem is well tamped.
4. During winter grafting, the seedlings are covered with a plastic translucent cover, and the nursery is placed in a lighted place.

The appearance of cuttings indicates the success of the cutting procedure.

cultivation

Alternators grow:

• in a flower bed year-round as perennials, if the climate is warm and there is no frost in winter;
• in the flower bed as annuals, if, with the approach of frost, the plants are not transplanted into flowerpots for placement in a heated room;
• as pot crops (with sufficient lighting, they retain their natural attractiveness);
• several plants in a flowerpot, if they are young, and the flowerpot is quite voluminous.

IMPORTANT. As top dressing, fertilizers with a low nitrogen content are used. Apply twice a month starting from the end of February and ending in August-September.

Alternatera growing temperature:

• Winter period: lower limit 14 ° C;
• Summer period: upper limit 28°C.

Benefit and harm

They allow you to easily add color to clubs even to beginner growers.

Harm to humans and animals has not been established.

The scientific name of Alternatera is Alternanthera.

Diseases

Gray mold infects plants that receive excessive watering.

Fighting methods:

• watering reduction,
• elimination of severely affected areas of the plant,
• transplanting into new soil,
• maintaining the optimum temperature.

Pests

Spider mite (recognized by the presence of a large number of cobwebs between the leaf and stems).

Characteristic features of the plant, tips for growing alternathera in the home aquarium and garden, recommendations for propagation, control of possible pests and diseases, facts for flower growers, species.

The content of the article:

Alternantera (Alternanthera) belongs to the large family Amaranthaceae (Amaranthaceae), which is sometimes called Shiritsevye. It includes representatives of the flora, in the embryo of which two cotyledons are formed. Almost all species included in the genus grow on the territory of those lands where there is a tropical or subtropical climate. This includes areas of America, Asia, the Australian continent and Africa, but such plants can even be found in the Galapagos. They prefer to settle in their natural environment in coastal areas, near waterways, which are often flooded or flooded.

family name	Amaranth or Shiritse
Life cycle	Annual or perennial
Growth features	Herbaceous or semi-shrub
reproduction	Seed and vegetative (cutting or division of the rhizome)
Landing period in open ground	Seedlings are planted in early June
substrate	Neutral, medium
illumination	Open area with bright lighting
Humidity indicators	moisture-loving
Special Requirements	There are some difficulties
plant height	0.1–0.25 m
Color of flowers	White, pinkish, green
Type of flowers, inflorescences	Globular
flowering time	May June
Decorative time	spring-summer
Place of application	Aquariums, flowerpots, carpet beds, borders, flower drawings or portraits, flower beds, pool landscaping
USDA zone	4, 5, 6

Sometimes you can hear among the people how the alternanter is called the Next Dust. But the plant bears its scientific name due to the combination of the words in Latin "alternus" and "anthera", which translates as "variable" and "stamen". The result is the phrase "variable stamens" and in all likelihood this indicates the alternation of barren and fruitful stamen formations.

All Alternanthera growing in nature have a herbaceous or semi-shrub form and do not exceed 10–25 cm in height. The shoots are well branched and wide bushes are formed through them. The rate of development of such bushes is quite high and there is the ability of rapid reproduction. Often, because of these properties, it is customary to use alternantera as a ground cover crop. These representatives of the flora can be grown both in the aquatic environment (aquariums) and as a pot culture. At the same time, the next anther is also able to extract nutrients from both water and soil. It is customary to grow as an annual or perennial plant.

Alternantera has gained popularity among flower growers and aquarists because of its brightly colored foliage. The shape of the leaf blades is lanceolate. Coloring can take on shades of reddish-brown, orange, yellow or yellowish-green. It happens that on the surface of the leaves there is a pattern of whitish spots. All color combinations depend on the species.

When flowering, small and inconspicuous flowers are formed, which do not represent any decorative value. They are collected inexpressive dense inflorescences, crowning the tops of the branches. The flowers are membranous, their color takes on a white, greenish or purple hue.

Tips for Keeping an Alternantera in a Pot or Home Aquarium

• Lighting and site selection. Only under the influence of bright lighting will reveal all the beauty of the shades of foliage. The more sunlight illuminates the bush, the more saturated the colors of the foliage will become. With a lack of light, the leaf plates will gradually acquire the usual green color, and, ultimately, it will simply become pale. The duration of daylight hours should be at least 12 hours, so when growing in an aquarium, backlights are needed.
• Aquarium water parameters. If it is decided to grow the plant in an aquarium, then an acidity in the pH range of 6.2–6.8 is suitable for it, while the water hardness should be from 2 to 12 dKH.
• Content temperature alternanthers in the summer should be in the range of 24–28 degrees, and with the advent of winter, not lower than 15 units.
• Humidity. Very high humidity parameters are most suitable and only under such conditions is it possible for Alternanthera to bloom, although its flowers do not carry any decorative value, but the plant feels fine even in dry indoor air.
• watering when keeping alternanthers in a pot, regular ones are needed throughout the growing season. But it is important to remember, for some varieties, that an excess of moisture is harmful.
• Pruning. If you carry out regular cutting of shoots, then they begin to bush very strongly.
• Fertilizers. It is recommended during the growing season to support the plant with mineral fertilizers, which must be applied every 15–30 days. When grown in an aquarium, divalent iron salts are added to the water once every two weeks.
• Wintering Alternantera. Because of her love for a warm climate, she will not endure winters in our latitudes, therefore, when the heat indicators approached 15 degrees, the bushes are dug up and planted in containers. They are kept in the autumn-winter period in a room with good lighting, where the temperature is in the range of 15-17 degrees.
• General tips for keeping in an aquarium. It is often necessary to change the water - every week up to 20% of the volume of the container. The plant does not like to overgrow with algae and loves crystal clear water, so a powerful filter is used.
• Transplantation and advice on soil selection. This tropical plant can be grown as a pot crop. Since its growth rate is low, it should be transplanted infrequently, only if the capacity has become small for the root system and the size of the bush itself. It is recommended to use a soil mixture from leaf and sod land, with the addition of humus and coarse sand - all parts of the components are taken equal. When kept in a pot, it is necessary to lay a drainage layer on the bottom to avoid moisture stagnation. You will also need to make holes in the bottom of the container to drain excess moisture. When grown as an aquarium plant for alternantera, the soil does not play a special role, so special substrate compositions for aquarium flora should be used. They should contain coarse sand, which has a positive effect on the growth of bushes. In an aquarium tank, it is recommended to place Alternanthera on shelves arranged on the sides so that the stems can rise above the surface of the water.
• Application of a duster. Since the plant is small in size, it is customary to grow it not only in aquariums, alpine slides and mixborders are decorated with such bushes, planted as border gardening, and carpet flower beds, flower portraits and drawings are also created. Because of the love for wet soils, it can be planted in the coastal zone of artificial and natural reservoirs.

You can get a new plant by seed and vegetative methods (cutting and dividing the old bush).

The first method is rather difficult, since Alternanthera often does not form flowers, so it is recommended to use the second one in floriculture. In this case, preference is given to cuttings. It is customary to cut blanks for this in the autumn. Then the cuttings are planted in a nutritious and heated soil, it can be a sand-peat mixture. The container with the cuttings is covered with a transparent plastic film and placed in a well-lit place without direct sunlight. The blanks of twigs are deepened to the first leaf plate, while the length of the cutting should be at least 8–10 cm and 8 leaves. Care will consist in airing and moistening the soil. When young leaves appear, the shelter can be removed and the young alternanters can be accustomed to room conditions.

After signs of increased growth appear, the tops of the shoots must be pinched off, which will help them begin to branch, forming new shoots on the sides. Cuttings can take root in 8-10 days. When May comes and return frosts pass, these plants are transplanted to a prepared place in the garden. To get more lush bushes, it is recommended to place 2-3 young seedlings in one planting hole. If Alternanthera is planned to be grown as a pot crop, then a small pot is selected.

When propagating a plant in an aquarium, the stalk is simply left to float on the surface of the water. Soon, he will have root shoots and you can plant such seedlings in the substrate.

With the advent of spring, you can divide the overgrown bush. Usually on autumn days, when the heat indicators begin to decrease, the bush of the mother specimen is transplanted into a pot and kept in a greenhouse or a prepared room. In such a place, it is necessary to create good lighting and heat indicators are maintained at about 15 degrees. In winter, watering is carried out moderately, waiting until the substrate dries from above. With the onset of the May days, the alternantera is pulled out of the flowerpot, its elongated root processes are cut, and then division is carried out. It is necessary that each division has a sufficient number of roots and shoots. Then landing is carried out to a permanent place in the garden, pond or pot.

Control of possible alternantera pests and diseases

The plant is quite resistant and is not subject to diseases or pest attacks. But all the same, with frequent violations of the conditions of detention, it can be affected by gray rot, especially if this representative of the flora is grown as a pot culture. Such a nuisance happens with high soil moisture. To cure, it is recommended to remove all affected parts of Alternanthera, and then treat the bush with fungicidal agents. It can be copper sulfate or similar drugs with a similar effect.

Of the harmful insects that cause harm to the alternather, a spider mite, aphid or whitefly is isolated. If signs of damage are detected (whitish specks on the back of the leaves or white midges, cobwebs on leaves and twigs or small greenish bugs), it is recommended to treat with insecticidal preparations with repeated spraying after a week.

Facts for flower growers about the alternantera, photo of the plant

Since there is evidence that some varieties have poisonous properties, it is important to clarify this aspect before buying.

Types of alternantera

1. Reineck's Alternantera (Alternanthera reineckii). The native distribution area falls on the territory of South America. The branches of this shrub are about 25 cm long. The shoots have sessile foliage, but sometimes the leaves are crowned with short petioles. The color mainly includes various tones of red color. The root system is delicate. It can be grown in aquarium conditions, where the plant is attached to the walls of the container, then the stems can spread along the surface of the water, but if they are completely submerged under water, the growth rate will slow down significantly. In culture, there is a variety of dwarf size Alternanthera mini, which is distinguished by even smaller bush and foliage.
2. Alternantera sessile (Alternanthera sessilis). This shrub can reach a height of up to 30 cm. The variety is relatively undemanding and has gained popularity among aquarists due to the pink-green coloring of the foliage, but can be grown in humid greenhouse conditions. When completely immersed in water, the growth rate does not decrease as much as in Alternanthera reineckii.
3. Sweet Alternantera (Alternanthera amoena) or as she is also called Alternantera lovely. The shoots are not so long in length and their maximum size reaches 10–20 cm. This species differs in that there is abundant branching in the lower part of the branches. Moreover, while the plant is young, the shoots are covered with pubescence and have grooves. The foliage is painted in greenish-red tones, sometimes replaced by an orange tint. The shape of the leaf plate is oblong-oval or in the form of a narrowed ellipse. When flowering, membranous small flowers are formed, collected in compacted apical inflorescences. The color of the flowers is whitish. Native territories of growth fall on the lands of Brazil.
4. Alternantera multi-colored (Alternanthera versicolor) predominantly growing in natural conditions in the Brazilian territories. It can grow as a shrub or herbaceous form. Perennial, which in height approaches the mark of 15 cm. Due to the strong branching of the shoots, the shape of the plant resembles thickened bushes of sprawling outlines. When the stems are young, their surface is covered with a slight pubescence.
   The leaf blades have a blunt oblong-scapular shape, while there is a narrowing towards the petiole. Its length is rather short. The surface of the leaves is covered with wrinkles. The name of the variety indicates the unusual color of its foliage, which mixes different shades of pink, yellow, red and greenish colors. This species has a large number of garden variations.
5. Lilac Alternantera (Alternanthera lilacina) or as it is also called Alternantera lilacina. Naturally, the eye cannot help but stop at the decoratively colored foliage, which is varied on the upper and lower sides. So on top the leaf is red or greenish, and the back side is a maroon color scheme. The shape of the leaf plate is oblong. The shoots have straight growing outlines. If the plant is grown as an aquarium culture, then the length of its shoots can approach half a meter. If the owner provides fairly moist growing conditions, whitish-colored flowers may form.
6. Alternantera red (Alternanthera red round) also differs in rather long shoots, on which leaf plates are arranged in opposite order. They are attached to the branches by means of short petioles. On average, the length of the bush is 20 cm. The growth rate of this species is very small, but if all the rules of cultivation are followed, the plant will please with flowering. However, such flowers do not possess beauty.
7. Alternanthera bettzickiana (Alternanthera bettzickiana) takes the form of a shrub or has a grassy form. This perennial plant can reach a height of 15 cm with its vertically growing shoots. At the very base, the branches are pubescent. Since they are distinguished by strong branching, they can form sprawling thickets. At the tops of the leaf plates there is a sharpening. The shape of the leaf is spatulate with a slight bend in the central part. The color takes on shades of olive green, while on the surface of the foliage there is a pattern of whitish, white-yellow and reddish specks. Flower capitate inflorescences originate in the leaf axils that grow on the tops of the shoots. This species has a large number of forms, the leaves of which are cast in rich shades of green, red or yellow.

Video about the alternator:

Alternantera is a perennial herbaceous strongly branching plant, the amaranth family with fragile cranked branches and with various colors of leaves 5-10 cm high and more.

Growing Alternantera

Alternanters freeze only at temperatures below zero. Easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings cut from mother plants take root in a breeding greenhouse on the fourth or sixth day at a temperature of + 15-20 °. Seedlings are ready for planting in open ground on the twelfth day.

The main care of the uterine alternanthers in winter is to maintain a uniform temperature and moisture in the seed flower pots and boxes.

Cuttings are carried out gradually, until April. Plant cuttings in seed boxes. When the soil temperature is above 20 °, the cuttings take root on the fifth or sixth day. In March, the cuttings taken from the mother liquors are planted in the light sandy soil of a warm greenhouse and shaded until rooting. After rooting, the plants are given full light. 5-10 days before planting, the plants are hardened by removing frames from the greenhouse for this. Seedlings are planted in open ground as flower beds are prepared. The soil should be moist with abundant lime mixed with black soil.

In a sunny location, alternanthers planted in a sunny place in calcareous soils acquire the best color and leaf color.

Alternate Care

Caring for carpet beds and flower beds planted with alternanthers consists of daily watering, weeding, and constant cutting and shaping of plants.

During the period of planting carpet plants in flower beds and flower beds, if the temperature is expected to drop to zero or below, the plants must be covered at night with matting, light reed mats, and burlap.

Alternanters are the main carpet-mosaic plants. As border plants, they not only give flower beds a clean, tidy look, but also enhance the effect of flower arrangements.

Varieties of alternantera

The most common types are:

• Alternantera aurea paronychioidee - the leaves are small, oblong, green-golden-yellow, retain their color all season. With a constant low haircut, the golden yellow hue of the leaves is lost, the green background is preserved;
• alternantera nana compacta - leaves are medium-large, oval, dark green with pink hues;
• Alternantera verzikoler - leaves of medium size, oval-elongated, burgundy in color with a bronze tint. This type of alternantera is tall and indispensable for dark dots and borders when arranging portraits and complex artistic flower beds and vases;
• alternantera amena rosea - oval leaves, shiny, with carmine, red-orange and bronze-green tint;
• alternantera paronychioides - with pinkish-red tops and olive-green lower leaves.

Along with alternanthers, in the design of flower beds and flower beds with carpet-mosaic plants, mesembryantemum folis variegatis is used - a crystal (family of Crassulaceae). Its stems are creeping, juicy, fleshy, the leaves are heart-shaped, yellowish-white. Plant height 4-10 cm. Used for light spots and dots in flowerbeds and portraits.

Mesembryanthemum is propagated by cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are produced from February to April. Cuttings are planted in sandy soil. Water them a few days after planting, when the fleshy leaves have time to tie a little. With watering, one must be careful, since excess moisture adversely affects the development and contributes to the decay of plants. Seeds are sown in sandy soil in February. Young shoots are kept in a sunny place and dive. Mother plants overwinter in a cool dry greenhouse, with rare watering. Seedlings are planted in carpet flower beds as soon as frost has passed. Almost does not need a haircut. Combines very effectively with alternanthers and iresine.

Alternantera (Alternanthera) and its varieties.

Reineck's Alternantera (Alternanthera reineckii)

Homeland - South America.

A very attractive long-stemmed plant with rose-red to dark purple leaves. Its whips, creeping along the surface of the water, can reach a considerable length. Alternantera is best planted on the side shelves of an aquarium with a high cap, and the illuminators should be at a great distance from the surface of the water. Plant the plant so that its tops are near the surface of the water. Expanding lashes rise above the water, and as they grow, they sink into it under their own weight. Alternantera grows in the aquarium throughout the year. Completely immersed in water, it develops very slowly. Among aquarists, this type of alternantera is somewhat less popular than others.

It is best to keep this plant in a tropical aquarium at a water temperature of 24-28 ° C. It satisfactorily tolerates a decrease in water temperature to 20 ° C, but at the same time its growth slows down. Water hardness, as well as an active reaction, does not play a significant role. Alternantera is best kept at a pH close to 7. The plant needs constant water refreshment. In old water, its growth slows down.

The lighting for the alternant is very bright. The color of the leaves and the appearance of this plant depend on the nature of the lighting. Natural light, especially direct sunlight, is very beneficial for him. For artificial lighting, fluorescent lamps of the LB type are most suitable. Strong incandescent lamps cause burns of shoots rising above the surface of the water. The power of fluorescent lamps can be calculated based on the following proportion: 3 W per 1 dm of water surface area. Light day should last at least 12 hours.

The siltiness of the soil for the alternanther is not of great importance. It develops a weak root system at the base of the stem and many additional roots in the leaf axils. The Alternantera gets most of its nutrients directly from the water. The nature of the substrate for her also does not matter much, but in coarse sand her root system develops somewhat better.

Mineral top dressing with rapid growth is very useful. The plant must receive a sufficient amount of nitrogenous substances and trace elements. It is very important to add bivalent iron salts (for example, ferrous sulfate) to the water 1-2 times a month at a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg per 1 liter of volume.

Under artificial conditions, the alternantera is easily propagated vegetatively by cuttings. The stem can be divided into parts, each of which should have 4-5 whorls of leaves. The cuttings left to float on the surface quickly form roots, after which they can be planted in the ground. But this is not necessary, since the plant can develop satisfactorily as a floating plant for some time.

Alternantera Reineck grows best in a moist greenhouse, in nutrient soil, with an abundance of moisture, bright light and a temperature of 26 - 30 ° C. In such conditions, it forms dense thickets of bright purple color.

Seated Alternantera (Alternanthera sessilis)

The amaranth family is Amaranthaceae.
Distributed throughout the tropical region of the Earth.

Long-stemmed, relatively undemanding plant, very popular due to the beautiful color of the leaves - from pink-green to purple-red. It grows well both in a deep aquarium and in a humid greenhouse. Under water grows evenly throughout the year.

Alternantera feels good at water temperatures from 22 to 28 ° C. In colder water, its growth slows down sharply. The hardness and active reaction of water do not have a significant effect on the condition of the plant, however, soft water with a slightly acidic reaction is more preferable. In it, the alternant develops somewhat faster. It is necessary to change up to 1/5 of the volume of water 3-4 times a month.

Lighting should be bright enough. The color of the leaves depends on its intensity - the brighter the lighting, the more red tones prevail in it. Alternantera is suitable for both natural and artificial lighting. For artificial lighting, a combination of incandescent and fluorescent lamps is preferred. Fluorescent lamps of the LD type should not be used, since the spectrum of light emitted by them does not quite suit the plant.

The root system of the alternantera is poorly developed, so the nature of the soil does not play a significant role for it. You can use any substrate, but in coarse sand, the roots of the plant develop better. Siltiness should be moderate or weak. The thickness of the soil layer in the aquarium can be any, even a two-centimeter layer of sand is enough for a satisfactory growth of the alternantera.

Alternantera sessile is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Long stems that reach the surface of the water must be shortened by removing the top, which is planted directly in the ground, deepening the lower whorl of leaves. After a few days, the plant will form roots. Long stems can be divided into several parts, and each cutting should have 3-4 whorls of leaves. It can be immediately planted in the ground, without leaving it on the surface of the water and without waiting for the roots to appear in the axils of the leaves. Cuttings left to float grow worse than those planted in the ground.

In a humid greenhouse, the sessile Alternantera grows noticeably faster, but to a large extent loses its attractiveness. It is necessary to gradually transfer plants from an underwater form to an aboveground one. Planted in a shallow aquarium, the plant easily forms aerial shoots that can be separated and planted in flooded or very wet ground. In the greenhouse for this plant, you can use garden soil, a significant part of which is sand and peat. The temperature of the water (soil) and air should be within 26-30 ° C, the lighting should be very bright. Ground-grown Alternantera tolerates flooding very easily. The plant can be almost painlessly planted in the soil of a deep aquarium, where after a short time its growth will continue.

Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants used as annual ornamental and deciduous plants. The flowers are small, inconspicuous and have no decorative value. According to their decorative significance, they are considered the main crop among carpet plants.

General information about the alternanter

Alternantera (alternanthera), amaranth family.
population: there are more than 170 species
Place of origin: in the tropics and subtropics of America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Usage: decorative leafy.
plant size: 5-20 cm in height.
Height: fast.
Bloom: rarely.

Varieties of alternantera

Sweet Alternantera - Alternanthera amoena Voss

Homeland - Brazil.

Perennial undersized plant 10-20 cm tall. Stems are furrowed, branching from the base, pubescent below. The leaves are oblong-oval or narrowly elliptical, pubescent below. Their coloration consists of combinations of green, red and orange. The flowers are small, membranous, in small decorative dense, sessile inflorescences at the ends of the shoots.

According to Bailey, this species may include alternanthers found under the names: "amabilis", "spectabilis", "sessilis", "rosea", "rheinhardii", "metalica". Some authors f. amabilis is considered a separate species, a pleasant alternative - A. amabilis Lem. All of them differ in the shape and color of the leaves, mostly pink-red or bright orange.

Alternanthera betzickiana - Alternanthera bettzickiana Voss

Homeland - Brazil.

Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants up to 15 cm tall, growing vertically, pubescent at the base. The leaves are spatulate with pointed ends, variegated, olive-green with yellowish-white, reddish and white spots. The flower heads are located at the ends of the stems or in the axils of the leaves. This species has many varieties or forms with green, yellow and red leaves,

The most common: f. aurea - with yellow leaves; f. paronychioides - with olive-red leaves; var. spathulata - with dark red leaves and stems; forms (nana, compacta, magnifica, versicolor), as well as a typical form - var. typica Regel (more often called the barbed alternantera - A. paronychioides hort.) A compact bush up to 15 cm tall with rounded lobed or oval leaves, slightly wavy along the edge and variously colored. On the same plant, there are green, light yellow, red, pink or variegated. According to Bailey, this may include: "picta", "tricolor", "aurea", "paranichyoides", "Juvel", etc.

Alternantera multi-colored - Alternanthera versicolor Voss

Homeland - Brazil.

Some authors consider it a variation of the Betzik alternantera. Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plant up to 15 cm high. The stems are strongly branched, form sprawling bushes, the young parts of which are pubescent. The leaves are oblong-spatulate, narrowed to a short petiole, wrinkled, obtuse. The color is variegated from a mixture of green, red, pink, sometimes yellow. Has many garden forms.

Alternantera care and maintenance

Temperature summer 18 - 28
Temperature winter 10 - 15

Lighting: direct solar
bright scattered

This is one of the most unpretentious plants, prefers bright, direct sunlight. The color of the leaves directly depends on the intensity of light: the brighter the light, the richer, more intense it is.

Watering the alternanther: In winter - moderate
Summer - moderate

The root ball should not be allowed to dry out, at the same time, excessive watering causes the appearance of gray mold. Spraying is not required.

reproductionalternators: all of them perfectly and quickly reproduce by cuttings in a breeding greenhouse at a sufficiently high temperature.

Propagated by division of old plants or cuttings, which can be selected throughout the year.

When cutting with a sharp knife, healthy cuttings are cut immediately under the node and the lower leaves are removed. Cuttings are planted, deepening to the first leaf, and carefully crush the soil around them. For better rooting, a greenhouse is created - the planted cuttings are covered with a transparent bag and placed in a warm place. The appearance of new leaves indicates the final rooting. After that, the greenhouse is removed, and the tops of the plant are pinched to form side shoots.

2-3 plants are planted in a permanent pot.

When propagating by division, the plant is carefully removed from the pot and carefully divided. At the same time, long roots can be cut off - this will not harm the plant. Planted plants are placed in a bright, warm place for further adaptation.

Transferalternators: as needed in the spring. Earth mixture: soddy earth, leaf earth and humus (3:2:1).

Young plants can grow all year without transplanting in the same flower pot. Repotting is recommended when the plant begins to propagate. It is best to do this in autumn or early spring. Greenhouse soil with a high content of nutrients and humus is optimal for growing alternantera. It is also recommended to use a mixture of garden soil with peat and sand. The plant does not grow well in heavy, clay soil.

top dressing alternators: spring-summer - 1 time in 2 weeks with mineral and organic fertilizers
winter-autumn - without top dressing.

Feed every 2-3 weeks, using a solution of complex fertilizer with a low nitrogen content and organic fertilizers. They start feeding from February-March, stop at the end of August.

pruning alternators: regular shaping cut.

As a groundcover, Alternantera tolerates pruning well and can be spherical, ovoid, and even comb-shaped by pruning.

To strengthen the lateral branching, the shoots should be pinched in the spring.

Pests and diseases of the alternantera

is resistant to diseases and pests.

Features of caring for an alternantera

All alternators cannot stand temperatures below 0°C. Landing in place is carried out after the end of spring frosts at a distance of 6-8 cm. Care consists in maintaining a certain height by trimming, watering and weeding, while an even, colorful carpet is formed within a short period. The color of the leaves under the influence of the sun becomes more intense and spectacular. Easily tolerate a haircut. The mother liquors overwinter in bright greenhouses, near windows, at a temperature of 10-12°C. During the winter period, almost no leaves are shed, their color only noticeably pales.