Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering in cooler periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Also known as Brazil Chaff-Flower · Brazil Coat · Calico Plant
Brazilian Joyweed (Alternanthera brasiliana) is a vibrant, colorful foliage plant prized for its striking leaves, adding a tropical flair to gardens and containers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Bright light promotes vibrant foliage color.
Keep soil consistently moist
75% intensity
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm temperatures preferred
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost; it is not cold-hardy.
Feed during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering in cooler periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune regularly to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of new stems to prevent legginess. Remove any dead or faded flower stalks.
Heavy pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagate easily from stem cuttings. Take 7-10 cm cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and insert the cut ends into moist potting mix or water.
Roots will typically form within a few weeks.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring to provide fresh nutrients and room for root growth. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Brazilian Joyweed (Alternanthera brasiliana)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Alternanthera |
| Species | Alternanthera brasiliana |
Similar in genus Alternanthera
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
