Contents
Description
Alfredia Cernua is a unique plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is commonly known as the “Pigmy Rattlesnake Plant” due to its small size and rattlesnake-like appearance. This plant is native to the Caribbean and Central America and is commonly found in tropical rainforests. It has a small size, reaching up to 30 cm in height and 15 cm in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Alfredia |
Appearance
Alfredia Cernua is a small plant with bright green leaves that are oval in shape and have a glossy appearance. Its stems are thin and have a reddish-brown color, with small hairs covering the stem. The flowers of this plant are small and have a pinkish-purple color, appearing in clusters at the end of the stems.
Care Guide
To care for Alfredia Cernua, it is important to give it the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, and sunlight. This plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. This plant prefers bright indirect light and should be placed in a location that receives partial sun.Alfredia Cernua can survive in hardiness zones 10-11, which have a minimum temperature range of 30-40°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alfredia Cernua is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs, which can be treated with insecticidal soap. This plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. It is important to keep the plant’s foliage dry to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Habitat
Alfredia Cernua is native to the Caribbean and Central America and is commonly found in tropical rainforests. It prefers to grow in well-draining soils in areas that receive partial sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Alfredia Cernua be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location that receives bright indirect light.
Q: How often should I fertilize Alfredia Cernua?
A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: What is the minimum temperature range for Alfredia Cernua?
A: This plant can survive in hardiness zones 10-11, which have a minimum temperature range of 30-40°F.
Q: What pests should I look out for when caring for Alfredia Cernua?
A: Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Related Plants
– Tibouchina grandiflora- Melastoma malabathricum- Tibouchina urvilleana
References
– “Alfredia Cernua.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=292952&isprofile=0&. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.- “Pigmy Rattlesnake Plant.” PlantCareToday, 21 Mar. 2020, plantcaretoday.com/pigmy-rattlesnake-plant-alferdia-cernua. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.- “Alfredia Cernua.” World of Flowering Plants, worldoffloweringplants.com/alfredia-cernua-pigmy-rattlesnake-plant/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.
