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Josephs Coat Plant: How To Grow

and Care For Alternanthera

Alternanthera [Al-ter-NANTH-ur-uh] aka (Joseph’s Coat plant) is a

genus of more than 200 species of tender perennial and bushy
annuals grown for their colorful foliage as garden plants and indoor
plants.

This plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is native to

subtropical and tropical areas of South America and Central America.
 Pin

The genus Alternanthera has various popular species, including:

● Alternanthera Ficoidea
● Alternanthera Dentata
● Alternanthera Brasiliana
●

The common names for Alternanthera include:

● Purple knight
● Joseph’s coat
● Calico weed
● Calico plant
● Joyweed
● Little ruby
 Joseph’s Coat Care

Size & Growth

This plant grows around 12” inches tall and spreads 12” inches wide,
which is a typical growth habit among its species.

The burgundy foliage of this plant remains dense to the ground.

The foliage color ranges from green to burgundy color, but the leaf
color is a striking shade of dark purple.

It also has the tendency of arching over containers.

Flowering and Fragrance

The unique feature of the Joseph’s Coat plant is the purple to green
leaves instead of its flowers.

The bloom time of the purple knight is short. The white flowers are
tiny and formed in axillary and terminal spikes.

It adapts easily to its environment, but work best as annuals as

backdrop landscaping, edging, or as a summer bedding plant.

Light & Temperature

Joseph’s Coat Plant thrives best under full sun but also grows well
when placed in partial shade.

For intense foliage color, place it under the full sun. The USDA
hardiness zones of this plant are 10 – 11.

Watering and Feeding

The Alternanthera plant prefers regular, but light watering.

Make sure to water the plant enough to avoid letting the soil dry out
completely.

The new plants need daily watering for the initial weeks.

Watering must be adjusted as per the soil type and weather.

Water lightly for clay soil as they sustain more moisture, but water
more in sandy soils as they need increased humidity.

This plant doesn’t require extra fertilizer, as a high amount of feed

damages the plant.

However, if your Joseph’s Coat looks week, feed it some balanced

liquid food during the summer season.

Soil & Transplanting

The Alternanthera Ficoidea plant is used in most soil types as long
as it’s well-draining.

Add in some organic matter, like garden compost, peat moss, or

manure to enhance the drainage of the soil.

Grooming and Maintenance

This is a low maintenance plant, as long as it’s growing in well-

draining soil in full sunlight.

It’s best to prune this plant to maintain its compact size.

Ideally, grow the plant after the last frost has passed.

When growing Joseph’s Coat in a greenhouse, make sure it stays

under full light and is appropriately watered throughout the growing
months.

During the winter season, place this plant in a spot with good
ventilation and water sparingly.

When growing in a container, make sure to frequently water during

the dry, hot season.

Regularly pinching off its growing tips, gives this plant a more neat
and formal look.
 Be sure to feed it lightly every two months when grown as ground
plants, and every two to three weeks when grown as container
plants.

How to Propagate Alternanthera

The propagation of the purple knight is done using cuttings or seeds.

When growing it from seeds, it is best to prepare the seeds in

germinating mediums for around five weeks before transferring them
into the garden.

It is ideal to transplant or transfer the plant outdoors during the night

when the temperature consistently stays at 60° degrees Fahrenheit
(15° C) or above.

The cuttings should be taken during the late fall season, and root
them in a mixture of sand and vermiculite or perlite.

For growing this plant as perennials, it is best to divide its clumps

during the spring season.

Alternanthera Pest or Diseases

Most of the issues faced by the purple knight are easily preventable
by selecting the right location and soil type.

The plant will develop rot and lose its foliage color when growing in a
location which is not well-draining.

Make sure to grow this plant under the full sun, in a well-draining spot
for its striking burgundy foliage.

The lankiness and unsightly shape are avoided with regular pruning
and pinching during its growing season.

Slugs, caterpillars, and spider mites are attracted to this plant, but
can easily be removed with hands. Kill caterpillars naturally with
soapy water.

Joseph’s Coat Plant Uses

This plant works well when used as a ground cover, bedding plant,
borders, and along pathways and sidewalks.

This makes an excellent houseplant when growing in hanging

baskets and containers.

Its striking floorage color adds appeal to any dull corner and adds a
bold touch to tabletops, desks, and other such surfaces.
 Its unique textured and colored leaves go well with almost every
houseplant.

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