A Cheaper Philodendron Pink Princess?
Party Time Alternanthera: A Vibrant and Easy-to-Grow Houseplant!
I’m thrilled to introduce you to a captivating houseplant that is sure to add a burst of color and cheer to your indoor space—the Party Time Alternanthera! This vibrant and easy-to-grow plant promises to be a delightful addition to any plant collection.
Offering a bright pink pop to your plant collection without the cost and slow growth of the Philodendron Pink Princess, the Party Time is an excellent substitution for that sought-after plant. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of the Party Time Alternanthera and learn all about its care requirements and unique characteristics.
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Meet the Party Time Alternanthera
The Party Time Alternanthera (Alternanthera ficoidea 'Party Time') is an eye-catching foliage plant known for its vividly variegated leaves. Its leaves are a kaleidoscope of colors, featuring shades of green, pink, and purple. The vibrant hues and striking patterns make this plant a true showstopper that instantly brightens up any space.
Captivating Colors without the Hassle
Are you drawn to colorful foliage plants but concerned about complex care requirements? Look no further—Party Time Alternanthera offers captivating colors without the hassle. This plant is relatively easy to care for, making it a fantastic choice for both beginner and seasoned plant enthusiasts.
Light Requirements
Party Time Alternanthera thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a sunny window where it can receive a few hours of indirect sunlight each day. However, be cautious of exposing it to intense, direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Finding the right balance of light will help maintain the vibrancy of its foliage.
I have found success keeping my Party Time in my greenhouse cabinet which is grown with 100% grow lights. If you don’t have the window space for another plant, you can grow this using grow lights with no problem!
Temperature and Humidity
Party Time Alternanthera prefers average room temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It appreciates a moderate level of humidity but should do fine as long as you keep the soil moist at all times. Avoid exposing it to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
As I always say, generally if you are comfortable with the temperature and humidity in your home, so will your plants.
Watering
When it comes to watering, Party Time Alternanthera appreciates consistently moist soil. Water it when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Adjust the frequency based on your specific environmental conditions.
You will soon notice that this plant will become VERY dramatic without enough water. It will droop a lot when in need of water but will bounce back to 100% shortly after getting the water it needs as shown in the before and after photo below!
Due to the very high water intake of this plant, I have mine planted in a self-watering pot that I can simply fill up when I see it running low. This provides the constantly moist soil this plant requires.
Soil and Fertilizer
Use well-draining potting soil to ensure proper moisture retention while allowing excess water to escape. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost can provide an ideal growing medium. During the growing season, feed your Party Time Alternanthera with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength once a month to encourage healthy growth.
If you decide to use a self-watering pot like me, you will have greater success using an inorganic potting medium like Pon or LECA. These materials can handle being wet at all times without molding, smelling, or attracting pests.
Pruning and Maintenance
To maintain the vibrant appearance and compact shape of your Party Time Alternanthera, occasional pruning is beneficial. Trim back any leggy or straggly stems to promote bushier growth. Regularly remove any yellowed or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
It is very common for this plant to drop leaves. I pick a few leaves a week from the table below this plant. As long as it looks happy and continues to push out new growth, you can simply throw away the dead leaves and not worry about them at all. The Party Time drops more leaves than any other plant I own but it continues to grow and look happy!
This is my plant and you can see that it is bushy and happy regardless of the constant dropping of leaves. It seems to grow new ones faster than it drops the old leaves so there isn’t an issue :)
Creative Display Ideas
The Party Time Alternanthera's stunning colors make it a versatile plant for creative displays. Here are a few ideas to showcase its beauty:
Place it in a vibrant ceramic pot that complements the colorful foliage.
Combine it with contrasting plants to create a visually striking arrangement.
Incorporate it into hanging baskets or elevated plant stands to add vertical interest to your space.
Create a color-themed grouping by pairing it with other plants that have leaves or blooms in complementary hues.
Final Notes
Congratulations on discovering the captivating world of the Party Time Alternanthera! With its vibrant foliage and easy-care nature, this plant is sure to become a favorite in your plant collection.
Remember to provide your Party Time Alternanthera with bright, indirect light, moderate humidity, and consistent moisture in well-draining soil. Regularly prune and maintain the plant to keep it looking lush and compact.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your Party Time Alternanthera's display! Experiment with different pot styles and arrangements to enhance its vibrant colors and showcase its unique foliage.
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This Week’s Happy Planter Submission
I'd like to share my Pilea. A former colleague gave it to me last year and at first it seemed she wasn't very fond of my flat. Lost a bunch of leafs and seemed a bit sad.
I changed her soil and switched to bottom watering and this year she looks so happy and surprised me with three beautiful little babies 🥰
Thanks for sharing @TuridTorkil! I love the Pilea. It’s an easy plant to grow and with all the little babies it makes, it’s great to share with friends too!
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-Houseplant Hobbyist