Chocolate Soldier Alsobia dianthiflora

Alsobia dianthiflora, or Lace Flower, is one of two species of the Alsobia genus. It is a tender perennial succulent that is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and parts of Central and South America.  Its fringe-edged petals make it an attractive houseplant. It tends to trail as it grows making it ideal for hanging baskets.

The plant has a stoloniferous habit, where rapidly growing stems are produced from the leaf axils. At the tip of the stems are plantlets that root readily and, when left alone, can result in a large mat of plants, each of which may have originated from the same parent plant. Alsobia dianthiflora in particular, is a small-leaved, compact plant that produces large white, frilled flowers and numerous stolons.

As a houseplant, Alsobia does require some warmth and humidity and does well under artificial light, or on a windowsill. The plant prefers well-drained and somewhat moisture-retentive soil, such as standard African Violet soil mixes.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or pest issues.