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Washerwoman
Alternanthera caracasana
Also known as : Mat chaff-flower
Washerwoman (Alternanthera caracasana), a native of Central and South America, is a creeper with small, green leaves and inconspicuous flowers. It is prickly to touch, and the V-shaped spines come off easily and can penetrate feet or skin. This is a tough plant that can survive in disturbed, inhospitable habitats and high-traffic areas.
Hardiness Zones
10
Key Facts About Washerwoman
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Attributes of Washerwoman
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Plant Height
91 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
5 mm to 1.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Washerwoman
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Amaranth
Genus
Joseph's coat
Species
Washerwoman
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Distribution of Washerwoman
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Habitat of Washerwoman
Gravel, Sand bars, Sidewalks
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Washerwoman
Washerwoman is a plant that primarily hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. Expanding beyond its native range, it has since been introduced to various regions across Middle Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southern and Eastern Africa. Washerwoman has also found its way to areas in South and Western Europe, often thriving in altered landscapes.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Washerwoman
Feedback
Watering 
Sunlight 
Temperature What is the best way to water my Washerwoman?
When watering the Washerwoman, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Washerwoman comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
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What should I do if I water my Washerwoman too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Washerwoman, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Washerwoman, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Washerwoman have become brittle and brown.
It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Washerwoman. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Washerwoman grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Washerwoman is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
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How often should I water my Washerwoman?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Washerwoman needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.
If you grow your Washerwoman outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Washerwoman can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
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How much water does my Washerwoman need?
When it comes time to water your Washerwoman, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
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How should I water my Washerwoman at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Washerwoman can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Washerwoman is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Washerwoman will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Washerwoman will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Washerwoman more water at this time.
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How should I water my Washerwoman through the seasons?
The Washerwoman will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Washerwoman will contract a disease.
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What's the difference between watering my Washerwoman indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Washerwoman indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Washerwoman to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Washerwoman very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
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More Info on Washerwoman Growth and Care
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Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
Washerwoman shares an affinity for environments with plentiful exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day. However, it can also manage in settings where sunlit periods are only a fraction of the day. Excessive or inadequate light can negatively influence its well-being. Its origin habitat has a strong correlation with photic surroundings.
Best Sunlight Practices 
Temperature
5 - 41 ℃
Washerwoman is native to environments with temperature fluctuations between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It thrives best in this range, and adjustments should be made seasonally to maintain this temperature.
Temp for Healthy Growth Plants Related to Washerwoman
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Late boneset
The late boneset is a large-sized weed originates in the eastern part of the United States. It blooms in fall and produces a large amount of tiny white flower heads. It is pollinated by insects instead of wind as many Eupatorium species did, which makes it relatively less aggressive.
Chrysanthemum vestitum
Chrysanthemum vestitum is a herbaceous perennial plant with robust branching on its upper section that often grows on low mountain slopes, hills, and streamsides. Its flowers feature slender white petals and a prominent pistil.
Palaquium formosanum
Palaquium formosanum (Palaquium formosanum) is a tree that grows in the low-lying forests. The tree can be identified by its medium height, growing up to 20 m, its yellow-green leaves, and its green fruit which is shaped like a mango.
Round-stemmed entodon moss
Native to North America, round-stemmed entodon moss (Entodon seductrix) is a shiny, evergreen feather moss found in forests and stream banks, particularly favoring rotten wood. It can be used in the garden as a quick-growing ground cover and will grow in full sun.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum) is a rather unassuming perennial with compact growth, but be warned! Under those leaves lay wicked spines that can easily puncture the skin. The Epimedium sagittatum has been cultivated into beautiful varieties for over 150 years and is one of the best groundcovers for shady areas. Originally from China, it is now found globally.
Evergreen rose
Evergreen rose (Rosa sempervirens) is a a climbing perennial in the rose family with very prickly stems. Evergreen rose is native to southern France. This species blooms in spring and early summer. Evergreen rose is most commonly grown in shrublands and valleys in southern France. This species was famously grown in the French gardens of King Louis Philippe I.
Small matweed
The small matweed is a small, mat-forming plant that is considered a weed in many tropical and subtropical areas. Difficult to control, it often pops out in golf courses, parking lots, and other urban habitats.
Arrasa con todo
Arrasa con todo (Gomphrena serrata) is a low-growing, mound-forming plant native to Central America and the southern states of the USA. It flowers all year round and grows in open sandy areas, on roadsides, in dry, disturbed sites, in lawns, and in open woods and can be considered a weed.
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About
More Info
Distribution
Care FAQ
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Washerwoman
Alternanthera caracasana
Also known as: Mat chaff-flower
Washerwoman (Alternanthera caracasana), a native of Central and South America, is a creeper with small, green leaves and inconspicuous flowers. It is prickly to touch, and the V-shaped spines come off easily and can penetrate feet or skin. This is a tough plant that can survive in disturbed, inhospitable habitats and high-traffic areas.
Hardiness Zones
10
Key Facts About Washerwoman
Feedback
Attributes of Washerwoman
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Plant Height
91 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
5 mm to 1.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Washerwoman
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Amaranth Genus
Joseph's coat Species
Washerwoman 
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Distribution of Washerwoman
Feedback
Habitat of Washerwoman
Gravel, Sand bars, Sidewalks
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Washerwoman
Washerwoman is a plant that primarily hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. Expanding beyond its native range, it has since been introduced to various regions across Middle Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southern and Eastern Africa. Washerwoman has also found its way to areas in South and Western Europe, often thriving in altered landscapes.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Washerwoman
Feedback
Watering Sunlight Temperature What is the best way to water my Washerwoman?
What should I do if I water my Washerwoman too much or too little?
How often should I water my Washerwoman?
How much water does my Washerwoman need?
How should I water my Washerwoman at different growth stages?
How should I water my Washerwoman through the seasons?
What's the difference between watering my Washerwoman indoors and outdoors?
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Essentials
Washerwoman shares an affinity for environments with plentiful exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day. However, it can also manage in settings where sunlit periods are only a fraction of the day. Excessive or inadequate light can negatively influence its well-being. Its origin habitat has a strong correlation with photic surroundings.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Washerwoman thrives in full sunlight but is often cultivated indoors during winter due to sensitivity to cold. This increases the chance of being placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, leading to noticeable symptoms of light deficiency.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Washerwoman may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Washerwoman enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Washerwoman thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care. Essentials
Washerwoman is native to environments with temperature fluctuations between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It thrives best in this range, and adjustments should be made seasonally to maintain this temperature.
Regional wintering strategies
Washerwoman is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Washerwoman indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in Washerwoman
Washerwoman prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.
Solutions
Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.
Symptoms of High Temperature in Washerwoman
During summer, Washerwoman should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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