Amaranthus cruentus aka Red Amaranth

Taxonomy

Amaranthus cruentus, also known as Mexican Grain Amaranth, is a flowering plant species that produces nutritious amaranth grain. It is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated for its grains, along with Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus. The plant features feathery spikes of flowers in earthy colors like rust-red, orange, brown, and cream during the summer and autumn. Some seed mixtures may have a prevalence of pale colors. As a houseplant, Mexican Grain Amaranth requires regular watering and thrives best in long-lasting, direct light, ideally placed less than 1 foot away from a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Red Amaranth, Purple Amaranth, Indian Spinach

How to care for Red Amaranth

Water

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

Soil

Red 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

Red Amaranth requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Red Amaranth will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Red Amaranth should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Red Amaranth’s native range is Original habitat is obscure, it was probably tropical America.


More info:
Wikipedia