The Red Devil Plant is a popular ornamental choice, known for its vibrant foliage and rich hues. Its striking coloration provides a dramatic contrast in landscapes, enhancing various garden designs.
Identifying the Red Devil Plant
The plant commonly known as “Red Devil Plant” is most often a cultivar of Alternanthera dentata, specifically Alternanthera dentata ‘Rubiginosa’, sometimes also called Red Thread Alternanthera or Ruby Leaf Alternanthera. Other common names for Alternanthera species include Joseph’s Coat, Copperleaf, Calico Plant, Bloodleaf, Joyweed, and Parrot Leaf, all referring to their often brightly colored leaves. While some Leucadendron and Sempervivum varieties also use “Red Devil” in their common names, this article focuses on the Alternanthera species due to its prevalent use of the moniker in general gardening.
Alternanthera dentata ‘Rubiginosa’ is characterized by its small, oblong leaves that emerge with a reddish-bronze color, which then deepens to a rich burgundy, deep red, or purple-red as the plant matures. The foliage is glossy and typically grows in an upright, spreading, or mounded habit, reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet and spreads of 1 to 2 feet. While it does produce small white flowers, the vibrant foliage is its primary ornamental feature.
Caring for Your Red Devil Plant
The Red Devil Plant thrives in environments that provide ample sunlight to encourage its vibrant foliage color. It performs best in full sun, meaning at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate partial shade. In shadier conditions, the intensity of its red and purple hues may diminish, becoming greener.
Consistent moisture is important, as the Red Devil Plant prefers evenly moist soil. Regular watering is necessary, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The soil surface should not dry out completely.
Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter provides optimal growing conditions. The Red Devil Plant adapts to various soil types, provided drainage is adequate. It prefers soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
As a tropical perennial, the Red Devil Plant thrives in warm climates and is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. In cooler regions, it is often grown as an annual or brought indoors to overwinter as a houseplant. It prefers moderate humidity but can tolerate drier conditions once established, and it is also heat tolerant.
Fertilization supports healthy growth and vibrant color. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is generally sufficient. Over-fertilizing should be avoided.
Propagating the Red Devil Plant
Propagating the Red Devil Plant is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant during its active growing season.
Prepare the cutting by removing the leaves from the lower portion of the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top. The cuttings can then be rooted in either water or a well-draining soil mix. For soil rooting, insert the cut end into moist potting mix; for water rooting, place the stem in a container of water, ensuring nodes are submerged. New roots form within a few weeks, then the young plant can be transplanted.
Common Issues and Solutions
A common issue with the Red Devil Plant is the fading of its vibrant red or purple foliage color, often due to insufficient sunlight. To restore the intense coloration, move the plant to a location with more direct sun exposure.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, can also indicate insufficient light. Providing more light and regular pruning will help the plant develop a denser, more compact form. Trimming back the stems encourages bushier growth.
The Red Devil Plant generally has no serious insect or disease problems, but occasional issues may arise. Consistent moisture and good air circulation help prevent common fungal problems. Monitor the plant regularly for early signs of pests for prompt intervention.
Uses and Landscaping
The Red Devil Plant is highly valued for its striking color and versatile applications in landscaping. It is an excellent choice for adding vibrant hues to garden beds, borders, and mixed containers. Its compact size and bushy growth make it suitable for mass plantings, groundcover, or as an edging plant.
Indoors, the Red Devil Plant can be grown as a houseplant, providing a splash of color. Its adaptability to indoor conditions, with sufficient bright light and consistent moisture, makes it a popular choice. Its deep burgundy to purple-red foliage creates a strong visual contrast, enhancing any planting scheme.