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Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Amaranthus polygonoides
Also known as : Short-tepalled pigweed
Tropical amaranth is an exotic, tropical plant, hence the common name. Tropical amaranth flowers throughout summer and autumn, producing delicate, tiny red flowers. It can be found growing in North, South, and Southeast America.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
3 to 10
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Key Facts About Tropical amaranth

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Attributes of Tropical amaranth

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
35 cm
Flower Size
1 mm
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Tropical amaranth

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Distribution of Tropical amaranth

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Distribution Map of Tropical amaranth

Tropical amaranth, a plant species with a natural presence in the subtropical and tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, has extended its range into various parts of Asia and Europe. Its adaptability allows tropical amaranth to establish itself in new territories beyond its native zones, resulting in naturalization in both eastern and western hemispheres.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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Questions About Tropical amaranth

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
What is the best way to water my Tropical amaranth?
To water Tropical amaranth, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Tropical amaranth is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Tropical amaranth as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Tropical amaranth that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Tropical amaranth, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.
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What should I do if I water my Tropical amaranth too much or too little?
The remedy for underwatering Tropical amaranth is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Tropical amaranth is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Tropical amaranth that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Tropical amaranth, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.
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How often should I water my Tropical amaranth?
Tropical amaranth needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Tropical amaranth. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Tropical amaranth grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Tropical amaranth that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Tropical amaranth a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.
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How much water does my Tropical amaranth need?
There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Tropical amaranth. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Tropical amaranth. Typically, you should give your Tropical amaranth about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Tropical amaranth in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.
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How can I tell if i'm watering my Tropical amaranth enough?
It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Tropical amaranth. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Tropical amaranth are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Tropical amaranth may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Tropical amaranth as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.
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How should I water my Tropical amaranth through the seasons?
You can expect your Tropical amaranth’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Tropical amaranth, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Tropical amaranth that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Tropical amaranth is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.
Read More more
How should I water my Tropical amaranth at different growth stages?
Tropical amaranth will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Tropical amaranth as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Tropical amaranth will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Tropical amaranth will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.
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What's the difference between watering Tropical amaranth indoors and outdoors?
There are several reasons why most Tropical amaranth grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Tropical amaranth needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Tropical amaranth water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.
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More Info on Tropical Amaranth Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
The tropical amaranth needs ample exposure to natural light for optimal growth. In its native habitat, it thrives under strong solar rays. However, it can also withstand some shade. Lack of sufficient light can hamper growth, while too much can scorch the leaves.
Best Sunlight Practices
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Plants Related to Tropical amaranth

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Carrotwood
Carrotwood
Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) is a flowering tree native to Australia. Carrotwood is also referred to as the tuckeroo, carrotwood, beach tamarind, and green-leaved tamarind. In Australia, it is an attractive ornamental tree, but in some parts of the US, it is sometimes considered to be invasive.
Carpet weed
Carpet weed
Carpet weed (Cheiridopsis denticulata) is a perennial spreading succulent indigenous to South Africa's arid western cape region. The carpet weed's flowers are pollinated by bees. This species is valued by horticulturists and grown in succulent gardens. Carpet weed grows best in sandy, well-drained soils.
Camphorweed
Camphorweed
Camphorweed is known to emit a very strong, camphor-like odor, hence its botanical and common names. Some sources compare this odor to the skunk. Although widespread across the United States, Pluchea camphorata is listed as an endangered species in Ohio and Maryland.
California Bluebell
California Bluebell
California Bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) is an annual wildflower that will grow to 30 cm tall. It is native to California and can grow in sandy soils and desert climates. Blooms early spring with cobalt-blue bell-shaped flowers. Grows in full sun or partial shade and re-seeds itself. Great for rock gardens, but contact with skin can cause irritation.
Bloody cranesbill
Bloody cranesbill
Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The bloody cranesbill often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens which is prized for its starry flower in spring and blood-red leaves in fall. Its Latin name 'sanguineum' is to describe their red leaves.
Black bindweed
Black bindweed
There is evidence the seeds of black bindweed were collected by bronze-age Eurasians. Today, this plant is mostly considered a weed and is especially damaging because of its tendency to entangle itself around other plants. This is not only obnoxious for gardeners but can also impede the harvesting of commercial crops. Black bindweed can be found nearly anywhere, from sea level to high in the Himalayas.
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Pokeweed
Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
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Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Tropical amaranth
Amaranthus polygonoides
Also known as: Short-tepalled pigweed
Tropical amaranth is an exotic, tropical plant, hence the common name. Tropical amaranth flowers throughout summer and autumn, producing delicate, tiny red flowers. It can be found growing in North, South, and Southeast America.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
3 to 10
plant_info

Key Facts About Tropical amaranth

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Attributes of Tropical amaranth

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
35 cm
Flower Size
1 mm
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Tropical amaranth

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distribution

Distribution of Tropical amaranth

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Distribution Map of Tropical amaranth

Tropical amaranth, a plant species with a natural presence in the subtropical and tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, has extended its range into various parts of Asia and Europe. Its adaptability allows tropical amaranth to establish itself in new territories beyond its native zones, resulting in naturalization in both eastern and western hemispheres.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Tropical amaranth

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Feedback
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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
What is the best way to water my Tropical amaranth?
more
What should I do if I water my Tropical amaranth too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Tropical amaranth?
more
How much water does my Tropical amaranth need?
more
How can I tell if i'm watering my Tropical amaranth enough?
more
How should I water my Tropical amaranth through the seasons?
more
How should I water my Tropical amaranth at different growth stages?
more
What's the difference between watering Tropical amaranth indoors and outdoors?
more
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More Info on Tropical Amaranth Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Plants Related to Tropical amaranth

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Lighting
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Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
The tropical amaranth needs ample exposure to natural light for optimal growth. In its native habitat, it thrives under strong solar rays. However, it can also withstand some shade. Lack of sufficient light can hamper growth, while too much can scorch the leaves.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Tropical amaranth, a plant that thrives in full sunlight, is commonly grown outdoors with ample sunlight. When cultivated indoors with inadequate light, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Tropical amaranth may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Tropical amaranth enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Tropical amaranth thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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