Strobilanthes alternata 'Snow White'

Breeding history of Strobilanthes alternata 'Snow White'

'Snow White' appeared in 2012 as a naturally variegated offshoot of the cultivar 'Exotica' in a commercial nursery in Apopka, Florida. Its cream, pink and green leaves were distinctive enough for growers to keep the new plant.

Growers have continued it from cuttings to keep the same colouring. The species was also widely sold in the past under the name Hemigraphis alternata.

Growing Strobilanthes alternata 'Snow White' indoors

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light suits 'Snow White'. A well-lit filtered spot helps keep the cream, pink and green colouring clear.
• Water: Keep the compost lightly moist during active growth. Water as the top begins to dry, then empty any excess from the saucer or cover pot.
• Humidity: Moderately humid air helps the thin, puckered leaves stay supple.
• Temperature: Choose a warm, even position sheltered from cold draughts and very dry heater air.
• Potting mix: Use a rich houseplant compost with some coarse material for good drainage.
• Pruning: Pinch or cut a long stem just above a leaf joint to encourage new side shoots.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced houseplant fertiliser at moderate strength while fresh leaves and shoots are developing.
• Propagation: Healthy stem cuttings root readily and keep the same colouring and growth habit.
• Repotting: Repot into a slightly larger container when the roots are packed in or the compost begins drying unusually fast.

Common problems on Strobilanthes alternata 'Snow White'

• The plant droops and leaf edges become crisp: The compost has dried too far. Water thoroughly, then check moisture earlier next time.
• Pink or white areas bleach or brown: The pale parts of the leaf are receiving too much direct sun. Give 'Snow White' strong indirect light.
• The stems lengthen and the centre opens up: The plant needs more light or pruning to encourage new side shoots. Move it brighter and pinch long stems just above a healthy leaf joint.
• Lower stems soften in wet compost: Root or stem rot is starting. Let the mix dry and inspect the plant. With a clean, disinfected blade, cut away rotten growth to firm healthy tissue and pot healthy pieces in fresh free-draining compost.
• Tiny white flying insects or fixed scale-like marks appear: Whiteflies or scale may be feeding on the foliage. Keep the plant separate, confirm the pest and use a treatment intended for it. Follow the label for repeat applications.

Strobilanthes alternata ‘Snow White’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does the name Strobilanthes alternata mean?

Strobilanthes combines Greek strobilos, cone, with anthos, flower, referring to bracted, cone-like flowering structures in the genus. The epithet alternata is Latin for alternate, referring to the arrangement of the leaves.

Carl Ludwig Blume established the genus Strobilanthes in 1826 in Bijdragen tot de Flora van Nederlandsch Indië, page 781.

Nicolaas Laurens Burman first described it as Ruellia alternata in 1768 in Flora Indica, page 135. John Richard Ironside Wood later placed it in Strobilanthes as Strobilanthes alternata in 2014 in Novon, volume 23, page 389; Elizabeth C. Moylan had proposed the name.