Prince's feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Prince's feather on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Prince's feather
Amaranthus hypochondriacus, commonly known as 'Prince's-feather Amaranth', is a fast-growing annual plant, valued for its striking, vibrant floral spikes that can be red, purple, or green. Its leaves are large and often display reddish or bronzed hues. It is ideal for adding a dramatic and vertical touch to flower beds, borders, or as an ornamental plant in cottage or wild-style gardens.
Native range
Mexico and the southwestern United States
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. A common mistake is not providing enough space, as it can grow quite tall and wide, requiring good support or spacing between plants.
How to save a dying Prince's feather
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing leaves or dry edges; stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not soggy soil) and light (full sun). Consider balanced fertilizer.
- What kills it
- Lack of light, insufficient watering, or overwatering causing root rot. Sensitive to cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and you act quickly. It's resilient.