Amaranthus caudatus aka Purple Amaranth

Taxonomy

Amaranthus caudatus, also known as Amaranthus edulis and Amaranthus mantegazzianus, is a species of annual flowering plant. It is commonly referred to as love-lies-bleeding, pendant amaranth, tassel flower, velvet flower, foxtail amaranth, and quilete. The Quechua people of South America call it kiwicha, quihuicha, inca jataco, ataco, ataku, sankurachi, jaguarcha (Ecuador), millmi, or coimi, while the Aymara people know it as qamasa. This plant is known for its edible leaves and seeds, which are used as a source of food in India and South America. It is a bushy annual with large ovate leaves and drooping, light to lime green tassel-like racemes of tiny flowers. Growing up to 8 feet in height, it thrives in full sun and can tolerate various conditions, including both humid and arid environments. The seedsheads of Amaranthus caudatus provide food for birds and its flowers can be used for fresh or dried arrangements. Originating from the American tropics, the exact origin of this species remains unknown. In indigenous agriculture, A. cruentus is the Central American counterpart to the South American A. caudatus.

Common names

Purple Amaranth, Love Lies Bleeding, Inca Wheat

How to care for Purple Amaranth

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Purple Amaranth, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Purple Amaranth should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Purple Amaranth loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Purple Amaranth thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Inca Wheat.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Purple Amaranth has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Purple Amaranth’s native range is Tropics.


More info:
Wikipedia