Contents
Description
Alternanthera Philoxeroides, also known as Alligator Weed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to South America but is now found in different parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant has a creeping habit and can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a green stem with an oval or oblong shape, and its leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers of Alternanthera Philoxeroides are small and white, clustered in spikes, and bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Alternanthera |
Appearance
Alternanthera Philoxeroides has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. It has a dense mat-like growth that covers the surface of the water, making it an excellent choice for water gardens or aquariums. Its leaves are oval or oblong, with a length of 1-6 cm and a width of 0.5-3 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the lower surface is purple. The stem is green, fleshy, and hairy, with a diameter of 0.5-2 mm. The plant’s flowers are small and white, with a length of 1-2 mm, and bloom from June to August.
Care Guide
To ensure that Alternanthera Philoxeroides grows healthy, you need to provide the right care. Here are some tips on how to take care of the plant:Water: Alternanthera Philoxeroides prefers to grow in water, so make sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Soil: The plant can grow in different types of soil, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. Sunlight: Alternanthera Philoxeroides prefers to grow in a full sun or partial shade environment.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 5-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alternanthera Philoxeroides is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. You can control these pests using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. The plant can also develop root rot if overwatered, so make sure to water it sparingly.
Habitat
Alternanthera Philoxeroides is native to South America but has now spread to different parts of the world. It grows in marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams. The plant is considered invasive in some countries, including the United States, Australia, and China.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alternanthera Philoxeroides toxic? A: No, the plant is not toxic to humans or animals.Q: Can I grow Alternanthera Philoxeroides in a water garden? A: Yes, the plant thrives in water gardens and aquariums.Q: How often should I fertilize Alternanthera Philoxeroides? A: You can fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer.Q: What hardiness zones can Alternanthera Philoxeroides grow in? A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 5-11.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Alternanthera Philoxeroides:- Alternanthera Ficoidea- Alternanthera Reineckii- Alternanthera Rosaefolia- Alternanthera Bettzickiana
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Alternanthera philoxeroides. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286390&isprofile=0& – Flora of China. (2020). Alternanthera philoxeroides. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200005583
