Alternanthera Party Time

Name: Alternanthera Party Time
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PA0288S
Price: 10.0 CAD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)

Alternanthera Party Time

$10

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Size 3.5" Pot - Small

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About This Plant

Alternanthera Party Time (Alternanthera ficoidea) is a foliage plant native to South and Central America. It grows in warm, bright conditions in open fields and forest edges. Indoors it produces small, dense leaves in a vivid mix of pink, burgundy, purple, and green that vary in intensity depending on how much light the plant receives.

The colour stays vivid all year with enough light. Unlike flowering plants that bloom and fade, the Party Time holds its pink and purple foliage colour year-round as long as it gets bright light.

Confirmed safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Alternanthera (Joseph's Coat) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is a safe choice for homes with pets. However, eating any plant in large amounts can cause mild stomach upset, so it is still a good idea to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves.

It stays compact and fills in quickly. Alternanthera Party Time grows in a dense, bushy habit and responds well to light trimming, which encourages even fuller growth. It suits a windowsill, a small planter, or a colourful spot on a plant stand. The Syngonium Neon is another compact, vivid-coloured plant for bright Canadian spots.

Winter Slowdown

The Party Time does not go dormant but it is highly sensitive to cold and low light. Below 13°C growth halts and the plant declines rapidly, so keep it above 18°C year-round. The pink and purple tones fade significantly in the short, dim days of a Canadian winter. Move it as close to a south-facing window as possible and consider a grow light to keep the colour from turning plain green.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (listed as Joseph's Coat, Alternanthera ficoidea). Safe for pet-friendly homes.

Pests

Alternanthera is more resistant to spider mites than most foliage plants. The main pest risk indoors is fungus gnats, which appear when soil stays too wet for too long. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. In very dry Canadian winter air, aphids can occasionally appear on new growth. Check new leaf tips when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Tradescantia Nanouk. Vivid and trailing.

For another vivid-coloured foliage plant that adds pink and purple tones to a bright window, the Tradescantia Nanouk trails beautifully from a shelf and handles bright indirect light well.

Syngonium Neon. Bright and compact.

For a compact, bright-coloured plant with a very different leaf shape, the Syngonium Neon has vivid chartreuse-green leaves and the same easy-care nature in bright indirect light.

Peperomia Tricolor. Colourful and small.

For a compact, colourful foliage plant that handles slightly lower light, the Peperomia Tricolor adds colour without needing a south-facing window.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Alternanthera Party Time?

Water when the top half of the soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly once a week. In a Canadian winter, cut back to every ten to fourteen days as growth slows. Always check before watering. Our indoor plant watering guide shows exactly how to check moisture before you water.

What light does it need to keep the colour vivid?

Bright indirect to some direct light is essential for the best colour. A south- or east-facing window is ideal. In lower light the leaves turn greener and the pink and purple tones fade significantly. The colour is a direct indicator of how much light the plant is getting. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Alternanthera ficoidea (Joseph's Coat) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the safer colourful foliage plants for homes with pets.

Why is the colour fading to green?

Fading colour always means insufficient light. Move it closer to a bright south- or east-facing window. In a Canadian home from October to February, natural light is significantly weaker, so you may need to place it right at the window glass to keep the colour strong.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. It is not frost hardy but handles warm indoor conditions well. Keep temperatures above 15°C and away from cold drafts. Growth slows in winter and colour may fade if light drops. Move it to your brightest window and avoid fertilizing until spring. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to Take Care of Alternanthera Party Time

Good to Know

Sun: Direct to bright indirect

A south-facing window in a Canadian home is ideal. It tolerates some direct morning sun well. The brighter the light, the more vivid the pink and purple leaf colour. East-facing also works. Avoid deep shade which turns the leaves green.

Light: Bright

Needs consistent bright light to hold its colour year-round. From October to February when Canadian daylight is shortest, keep it as close to a south-facing window as possible. Low light does not kill this plant but removes the colourful foliage that makes it worth having.

Water: When top half of soil is dry

Water thoroughly until it drains, then wait until the top half of the soil is dry. In a Canadian winter, water every ten to fourteen days. Never leave it in standing water as root rot can set in.

Humidity: Moderate

Handles the dry air from forced-air furnaces in Canadian homes reasonably well. It prefers some humidity and may develop dry leaf tips in very low humidity. A light misting or pebble tray helps during the Canadian heating season.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Safe for homes with pets. Discouraging pets from chewing on any plant is still a good idea.

Pro Tip

The pink and purple tones develop most strongly on the side of the plant facing the brightest light. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two so all sides get even exposure. This keeps the whole plant colourful rather than vivid on one side and green on the other, which matters most in the low-light months of a Canadian winter.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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