How to Grow Chocolate Lace
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Chocolate Lace
Alternanthera dentata 'Chocolate Lace'
shrubChocolate Lace is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deeply lobed, lacy leaves that display rich chocolate-brown to deep burgundy coloring with contrasting lighter veining. This compact, bushy shrub is commonly grown as a tender perennial or annual bedding plant, adding dramatic color contrast to gardens and containers. It produces small white or pink flowers, though the foliage is the primary ornamental feature.
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Example Chocolate Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chocolate Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chocolate Lace
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates (zones 3-9)
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Seedling/Transplant
2-3 weeks indoorsYoung plants are compact with small emerging leaves showing early color development; initial foliage is less deeply lobed than mature growth
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65-75°F). Provide bright light. Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness. Acclimate to outdoor conditions gradually.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant fills out with increasing stem branching; leaves develop deeper chocolate coloring and increasingly intricate lace-like lobing patterns
Continue pinching growing tips every 2-3 weeks to maintain bushy form. Water regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Full sun exposure intensifies foliage color.
Mature Foliage
Ongoing during growing seasonPlant reaches full decorative potential with dense branching, maximum leaf intricacy, and rich chocolate-burgundy coloring with prominent veining
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer slightly to enhance color. Deadhead flowers to redirect energy to foliage production. Prune as needed to maintain shape. Continue regular watering.
Flowering (Minor)
Intermittent throughout seasonProduces small, delicate white to pale pink flowers in clusters; flowers are secondary to foliage display
Deadhead spent flowers to keep plant compact and promote fuller foliage. Flowers are not the focus of this ornamental.
Winter Dormancy/Decline (Perennial zones)
December-FebruaryIn zones 10-11, growth slows; foliage may lighten slightly. In colder zones grown as annual, plant declines with frost.
In mild zones, reduce watering and feeding. Prune back in late winter to rejuvenate. In cold zones, treat as annual and compost spent plants after frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation; yellow sticky traps
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; improve air flow
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with miticide or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate watering
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Tropical Foliage Displays
OrnamentalThe deeply lobed, chocolate-burgundy leaves with contrasting veining create dramatic color interest in mixed borders, containers, and tropical-themed gardens. Its compact, bushy form makes it ideal for front-of-border plantings and mass plantings for color impact. [source]
Container & Houseplant Gardening
HouseholdExcellent for container arrangements, patio displays, and houseplant collections in bright indoor locations. Works well in mixed containers with complementary foliage plants like coleus and caladiums for striking tabletop displays. [source]
Floral Design & Arrangements
CraftThe textured, decorative foliage can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried arrangements. Fresh cuttings add unique texture and color to mixed bouquets and wedding arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile primarily grown for foliage, the flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and small butterflies, making it a minor contributor to pollinator gardens when flowers are allowed to bloom. [source]
Harvest Tips
Chocolate Lace is grown for ornamental foliage only, not for harvesting. Pinch and prune stems as desired to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove flower buds as they form to focus plant energy on leaf production and color intensity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Chocolate Lace' cultivar was developed to showcase intensely colored foliage with intricate, deeply lobed ('lace-like') leaf patterns—a rarity among ornamental plants that makes it highly sought by collectors.
- 🌱 Despite its tropical appearance, Chocolate Lace is actually a member of the Amaranthaceae (amaranth) family, the same family as ornamental celosia and iresine plants.
- 🌱 Full sun exposure is crucial for developing the deepest chocolate coloring; plants grown in shade will produce larger leaves but with less intense burgundy pigmentation and duller appearance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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