Alternanthera Neon Green (plant clump)

🌱 Alternanthera ‘Neon Green’ Overview

• Scientific name: Alternanthera ficoidea (cultivar)

• Common names: Neon Green Alternanthera, Green Carpet Alternanthera

• Family: Amaranthaceae

• Origin: Central & South America (cultivated worldwide as an ornamental)

• Type: Low-growing perennial foliage plant (often grown as an annual in cooler regions)

🌿 Appearance

• Bright lime-green to neon-green foliage, small and ovate.

• Forms a dense, bushy mound or spreading carpet.

• Grows 6–12 inches tall, can spread 18–24 inches wide.

• Used for borders, edging, groundcovers, and container displays.

🌞 Care Guide

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Best color in bright light. Too much shade may dull its neon tone.

• Water: Moderate. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Tolerates short dry spells once established.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.

• Temperature: Warm-loving (18–30 °C). Frost-sensitive—grow as annual in cold regions.

• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growing season for vibrant foliage.

• Pruning: Pinch or trim regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess.

🌸 Special Notes

• Can be grown in flower beds, rock gardens, edging, or even containers.

• Stunning when paired with contrasting plants (purple Alternanthera, Coleus, or darker-leaved varieties).

• Often used in landscape designs for its vibrant, continuous color.

• Non-toxic and generally pest-resistant, though it may attract whiteflies or aphids if stressed.