Alternanthera Ficoidea
Alternanthera ficoidea · Native to Central & South America
Known as Joseph’s Coat, this bushy little foliage plant is grown for its riot of color — crinkled leaves splashed in green, red, orange, and pink. Compact and cheerful, and pet-friendly too.
Available in 6 inchCare
Light
Give it plenty of bright light — the brighter the light, the bolder the leaf color. In low light the vivid reds and pinks fade toward plain green. It enjoys some direct morning sun.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Let only the top third dry between waterings; it dislikes both soggy roots and drying out completely, which causes crispy leaves.
Soil & Feeding
Use a rich, well-draining mix with plenty of organic matter. Feed lightly through the growing season and pinch it back to keep it compact and bushy.
Details
A compact, mounding foliage plant grown almost entirely for its colorful, crinkled leaves.
- ✅ Multicolor green, red, orange & pink foliage
- ✅ Bushy, compact habit — great for color accents
- ✅ Non-toxic and pet-friendly
Size
Available in a 6 inch pot.
Good to Know
🐶 Alternanthera ficoidea is listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and people — a colorful, pet-friendly choice. Even so, it is grown as an ornamental and not intended for human or animal consumption.
Plant Bio
Alternanthera ficoidea · commonly called Joseph’s Coat
Alternanthera ficoidea is a low, bushy foliage plant from Central and South America, grown almost entirely for its dazzling leaves. Depending on the variety, the crinkled foliage is splashed and veined in green, burgundy, red, orange, and pink — hence the nickname “Joseph’s Coat.”
It stays compact and mounding, which makes it a popular color accent in mixed plantings, borders, and bright indoor spots.
The key to keeping it vivid is light: the more bright light it gets, the more intense the color, while dim conditions wash it out to green. Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy), feed lightly in the growing season, and pinch it back to stay full and tidy.
Bright, cheerful, and safe around pets, it’s an easy way to add a pop of color.
Good to know about Joseph’s Coat
- Grown for bold multicolor foliage, not flowers.
- Needs bright light to keep its red and pink tones.
- Likes steady moisture; dislikes drying out or sitting wet.
- Non-toxic and pet-friendly.
Note: Considered non-toxic. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.