Red Baaji, Lal Mehndi (in polybag)

Common Names:      Red duranta, Lal badshah, Ruby leaf plant, Loropetalum, Luthra, Ruby alternanthera,  alternanthera.

Height:        9 inches

 We would like to clarify that though this plant resembles Loropetalum, but this is not Loropetalum which bloom deep pink flower. But unfortunately, some gardeners refer it as Loropetalum also.

This plant is almost maintenance free. If you give sufficient water and fertiliser, it shows faster growth with vibrant colours. Even if you don’t give fertiliser, it shows satisfactory growth. It’s a perennial plant.This plant is almost maintenance free. Even with low level of atmospheric humidity (20%) and high temperature (48⁰ C), this plant continues to grow healthily. Regular pruning of this plant increases its dense growth.

Watering & Sunlight:  This plant prefers to grow well in direct sunlight. This plant can tolerate over or under watering upto some extent. But, we advise to water it, whenever the soil of your pot becomes dry. Such watering frequency helps in prevention of unwanted pathogens also. Proper drainage by making sufficient holes in bottom of pot is must. If this plant does not receive sufficient sunlight, its red leaves become greenish.

Soil:     Its potting mix must be aerated well by use of drainage media upto 20 % (river sand, Leca, Pumice/Perlite or rice husk- Use any one of them). All these items help in aeration of roots also. We can mix upto 30% cocopeat, 20 % vermi compost, 20 % sterilised garden soil + 10% Neem Cake) in its potting mix. We may give liquid fertlizers every month.

Uses:           This plant is commonly used in landscaping for making borders, hedges.