Chenopodium oahuense — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Chenopodium oahuense

Chenopodium Oahuense

Updated · 2 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Chenopodium oahuense is a species of flowering plant in the amaranth family known by the common names aweoweo, alaweo, alaweo huna, aheahea, ahea, ahewahewa, and kahaihai. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it occurs on all of the larger islands except for Kahoolawe. It is also found on Lisianski Island, Laysan, the French Frigate Shoals, Necker Island, and Nīhoa.

A note from PlantMom

Alaweo is disease-resistant and, in general, not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Alaweot is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not call for substantial care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Chenopodium Oahuense.

Light

Alaweo comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and the edges of forests, where light is plentiful. It performs best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Water

Alaweo is well-suited for arid climates, thanks to its exceptional drought resistance. It is best to water the plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. As an outdoor plant, Alaweo can withstand different weather conditions and occasional rainfall without the risk of root rot.

Temperature

Alaweo comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high heat and moisture. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot endure cold and needs relatively high temperatures for healthy growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too much, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Fertilization is essential to the care of Alaweo. Regular feeding during the growing season preserves the energy needed for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. Neglecting fertilization can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental appeal, and stunted or weak growth that is prone to breakage.

Pruning

Alaweo is a resilient, shrub-like plant characterized by its silvery-green leaves and bushy growth. For optimal health, it is best to prune in early spring. This process helps stimulate new growth, remove dead branches, and enhance air circulation, which in turn encourages blooming, fruit production, and size management. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools when pruning.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Chenopodium
Family
Amaranthaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
0.91 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green Yellow, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Alaweo
PLATES
Chenopodium oahuense leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Chenopodium oahuense leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Chenopodium oahuense flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Chenopodium oahuense bark
PLATE 04 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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