Alternanthera nahui Plant Care

Alternanthera nahui (Alternanthera nahui) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Alternanthera genus. Alternanthera nahui is native to New Zealand and to Norfolk Island.

Alternanthera nahui displays a low, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Alternanthera nahui produces small, insignificant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alternanthera nahui every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alternanthera nahui thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Alternanthera nahui tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Alternanthera nahui prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Alternanthera nahui to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alternanthera nahui every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alternanthera nahui is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alternanthera nahui can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alternanthera nahui while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alternanthera nahui is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alternanthera nahui can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brazilian joyweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alternanthera nahui is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alternanthera nahui grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Alternanthera nahui is native to New Zealand and to Norfolk Island. In cooler regions, grow Alternanthera nahui as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.