Amaranthus tricolor aka Chinese Amaranth

Taxonomy

Amaranthus tricolor, also known as edible amaranth or Joseph's Coat, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Amaranthus. It is cultivated for both ornamental and culinary purposes. Native to South and South-East Asia, it is now grown in warm regions around the world. This annual bedding plant has an upright habit with cane-like stems. The foliage is the main attraction, with its multi-colored leaves that grow spirally along the stem. The leaves are irregularly shaped, predominantly red with a yellow tip. While the flowers are inconspicuous and not a decorative feature, the plant's striking foliage makes it a great addition to mixed borders and the front of shrubberies. In Korea, it is known as bireum, in India as tampala or tandaljo, and in the Caribbean as callaloo. It is also referred to as Joseph's Coat in reference to the biblical figure Joseph, who is said to have worn a coat of many colors.

Common names

Chinese Amaranth, Chinese Spinach, Joseph's Coat

How to care for Chinese Amaranth

Difficulty

Chinese Amaranth is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

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

Soil

Chinese 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

Chinese 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 Chinese Amaranth will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Amaranth to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

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 Chinese 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

Chinese Amaranth’s native range is Tropical Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia