Joseph's Coat Alternanthera dentata 'Royal Tapestry'

Water

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' should be watered regularly, ideally when the top inch of soil feels dry. During active growing seasons like spring and summer, this may be once a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering. Provide the plant with about 16 ounces of water at each watering, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil deeply but does not leave the plant sitting in water, which can promote root rot. Reduce the frequency of watering during the cooler months when plant growth slows down. It's crucial not to overwater Joseph's Coat, as it prefers a consistent level of moisture but does not tolerate soggy conditions.

Light

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun, which can cause leaf burn. If grown indoors, a spot near a window with filtered light or a sheer curtain would be ideal. However, some direct morning sunlight can be beneficial for vibrant foliage coloration. This plant will not do as well in low-light conditions, where it may become leggy and lose its vivid coloring.

Temperature

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' prefers warm temperatures and should be kept in conditions ranging between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it should not be exposed to temperatures below this, as it is not frost-hardy and may suffer from cold damage. The plant will thrive when the temperature is consistently warm, similar to its native tropical and subtropical environments.

Pruning

Prune Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Periodic trimming, done in the spring or early summer, can help promote denser foliage and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. It's generally good to prune back up to one-third of the plant's size to stimulate new growth without stressing the plant. Always use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts and minimize the chance of disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' prefers a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter. For best growth, a mixture of peat, compost, and perlite or pine bark is ideal, creating an airy yet moisture-retentive medium. The pH range suitable for Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' is between 5.5 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients and prevent root bounding. Younger, faster-growing plants may require yearly repotting, while established specimens can be repotted less frequently, as indicated by their growth rate and pot size.

Humidity & Misting

Joseph's Coat 'Royal Tapestry' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Consistently high humidity helps maintain its vibrant foliage but should be balanced with good airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light and regular watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, water regularly, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Alternanthera 'Royal Tapestry', also known as Joseph's coat or calico plant, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in warm temperatures and moist soil, develops into a seedling with the first set of true leaves. The seedling continues to grow, becoming a mature plant with vibrant foliage of purple, red, and green, which is the main ornamental feature of this cultivar. As a perennial in warmer climates or an annual in cooler regions, it achieves full foliage and may produce small white, inconspicuous flowers in ideal conditions. After flowering, it can produce seeds, completing the sexual phase of its life cycle. However, in many ornamental uses, it rarely sets seed and is instead propagated through cuttings, leading to a vegetative growth phase that can be repeated annually. If subjected to a seasonal climate, Joseph's coat will die back in winter, but in the perennial zones, it can regrow from the roots or remain evergreen.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Alternanthera dentata 'Royal Tapestry', commonly known as Joseph's coat, can be effectively propagated by stem cuttings. This method is most successful during the warm months, typically from spring to early fall. To propagate Joseph's coat using stem cuttings, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch length (approximately 10 to 15 cm). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to increase the chance of successful rooting. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a moistened mix of peat and perlite, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The cutting should then be placed in bright, indirect light and kept consistently moist. Roots typically form in a few weeks, after which you can transplant the cutting into a more permanent pot or garden location.