Narrow-leaved ammannia Plant Care

Narrow-leaved ammannia (Ammannia alternifolia) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Ammannia genus. Narrow-leaved ammannia is native to Africa. Narrow-leaved ammannia is also known as Alternanthera reineckii var. roseafolia.

Narrow-leaved ammannia displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Narrow-leaved ammannia produces small, colorful clusters of blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Narrow-leaved ammannia every 4–7 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.

Narrow-leaved ammannia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ammannia alternifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Narrow-leaved ammannia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Narrow-leaved ammannia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Narrow-leaved ammannia 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 rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Narrow-leaved ammannia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Narrow-leaved ammannia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Narrow-leaved ammannia 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.

Narrow-leaved ammannia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Narrow-leaved ammannia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ammannia coccinea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Narrow-leaved ammannia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Narrow-leaved ammannia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Narrow-leaved ammannia is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Narrow-leaved ammannia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.