Alternanthera ficoidea, commonly known as Joseph’s coat or parrot leaf, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest edges in the Caribbean and South America. It has been introduced to other tropical regions where it can become invasive. Typically, it grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and spreads 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. The plant is notable for its colorful foliage, which can include shades of green, red, pink, or yellow, depending on the variety and light conditions. It rarely flowers in cultivation, but when it does, the small white to cream flowers are relatively inconspicuous compared to its vibrant leaves.

Joseph’s coat is popular for its striking foliage, which adds a splash of color to garden beds and containers. It is often used as a ground cover or for edging in tropical and subtropical gardens. In cultivation, Alternanthera ficoidea thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively easy to maintain but may require regular trimming to keep its shape and encourage denser foliage. It can become drought-tolerant once established. It is also a popular choice for aquatic gardens and terrariums. It has been found to become invasive in Palau, the Philippines, and Queensland (Australia).CC BY-SA 4.0