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Redivy (Strobilanthes alternata)

Strobilanthes alternata, commonly known as Redivy, is a tropical perennial prized for its striking foliage, featuring deep green leaves with prominent purple veining.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright, indirect light.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or sand.

Temperature

Average room temperatures.

Habitat

House Plant, Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed during growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Avoid direct sun.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist.

Allow top inch to dry between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or sand.

Temperature

Average room temperatures.

Ideal range 18-24°C.

Habitat

House Plant, Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed during growing season.

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Foliage, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Pot, Ground

Plant Environment

House Plant, Indoor, Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green, Purple

Leaf Type

Opposite, ovate to elliptic

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths64
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths64
Synonyms
Blechum cordatum Leonard
Goldfussia colorata (Blume) Moritzi
Hemigraphis alternata (Burm.f.) T.Anderson
Hemigraphis colorata W.Bull
Ruellia alternata Burm.f.
Ruellia colorata Blume
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderLamiales
  • familyAcanthaceae
  • genusStrobilanthes
  • speciesStrobilanthes alternata
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot.

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of new stems to promote branching. Remove any leggy or overgrown stems as needed.

Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Root cuttings in water or a moist potting mix. Can also be grown from seed.

Repot every 1-2 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one. Use fresh potting mix.

FAQs

How often should I water Strobilanthes alternata?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter.

What kind of light does Redivy prefer?

Redivy thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while very low light can lead to leggy growth.

Why are the leaves of my Strobilanthes alternata turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Check soil moisture and light conditions to adjust care.

Can Strobilanthes alternata be grown outdoors?

Yes, it can be grown outdoors in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11) in shaded or partially shaded locations. It is often grown as an annual elsewhere.

How do I propagate Redivy?

Propagation is easy from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in spring or summer and root them in water or moist potting mix.