How to Grow Alternanthera Red
Wikimedia Commons
Alternanthera Red
Alternanthera dentata
shrubA tropical ornamental shrub prized for its vibrant deep red, burgundy, or purple foliage that intensifies in bright light. Native to South America, it's commonly grown as a houseplant, container plant, or outdoor ornamental in warm climates. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white or pale purple flowers, but it's primarily cultivated for its striking foliage.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Alternanthera Red in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Alternanthera Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Alternanthera Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Alternanthera Red
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alternanthera Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives year-round in zones 10b-12; grow as annual or container plant in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Alternanthera Red grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Alternanthera Red timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Propagation
2-3 weeksSmall plants with soft green to reddish leaves emerge from seed or develop from stem cuttings
Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), high humidity, and consistent moisture. Bottom heat accelerates rooting of cuttings. Provide bright indirect light
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and fuller foliage; leaves begin developing red coloring, deepening with light exposure
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Maintain bright light and consistent watering. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Established Growth
Ongoing with proper maintenanceMature plant with dense, well-colored red-burgundy foliage; compact mounding habit if well-maintained
Continue pinching tips to maintain shape and density. Increase bright light for deepest color. Water and fertilize regularly during growing season
Flowering
Intermittent throughout growing seasonSmall white or pale purple flower spikes appear among foliage, though flowering is secondary to foliage display
Flowering is not the primary ornamental feature; deadhead if desired to redirect energy to foliage production. More common in outdoor settings
Decline/Dormancy
4-5 months in cool seasonIn winter or cooler temperatures, plant growth slows significantly; foliage may fade slightly
Reduce watering frequency but maintain some moisture. Move closer to light source. Reduce fertilizer. Can be cut back in spring to rejuvenate
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; prune heavily infested stems
-
Increase humidity and mist regularly; spray with water or miticide; improve air circulation
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
-
Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with horticultural oil; prune heavily infested branches
Uses
Tropical Container & Bedding Plant
OrnamentalWidely used in mixed containers, tropical gardens, and annual bedding schemes for its striking red-burgundy foliage that provides season-long color without relying on flowers. [source]
Interior Houseplant
HouseholdPopular as a bright, colorful houseplant for windowsills and bright indoor spaces; foliage adds visual interest to homes and offices year-round with proper light. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Foliage
CraftRed alternanthera foliage is used by florists and crafters in fresh arrangements, wreaths, and decorative displays for its rich color and texture. [source]
Landscape Accent & Mass Planting
LandscapeUsed in warm-climate gardens as accent plants, borders, or massed plantings to create bold color blocks and textural interest in landscape design. [source]
Harvest Tips
No traditional harvest. Instead, perform regular pinching and pruning to maintain shape and density. Stems can be harvested for propagation by taking 3-4 inch cuttings, ideally in spring or early summer. Remove any dead or diseased foliage as needed. Hard pruning in spring rejuvenates old, leggy plants
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The intensity of red color is directly proportional to light exposure—plants grown in full sun develop deep burgundy foliage, while those in shade remain greener, making light a key 'nutrient' for this plant
- 🌱 Alternanthera dentata is also known as Calico Plant or Bloodleaf, with different cultivars ranging from solid deep red to bi-colored pink and red variegated forms
- 🌱 In its native South American habitat, alternanthera grows as a subshrub in disturbed areas and along waterways, making it quite adaptable and vigorous in cultivation
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Alternanthera Red planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Alternanthera Red seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Alternanthera Red timeline →