Caracas False Amaranth Plant Care

Caracas False Amaranth (Alternanthera caracasana) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Alternanthera genus. Caracas False Amaranth is native to Central and South America.

Caracas False Amaranth displays a low, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Caracas False Amaranth produces small, insignificant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Caracas False Amaranth every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Caracas False Amaranth thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Alternanthera caracasana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Caracas False Amaranth prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Caracas False Amaranth to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Caracas False Amaranth every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Caracas False Amaranth is suited to USDA Zone 8b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Caracas False Amaranth can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Caracas False Amaranth while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Caracas False Amaranth is hardy down to USDA zone 8b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Caracas False Amaranth can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brazilian joyweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Caracas False Amaranth is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Caracas False Amaranth grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Caracas False Amaranth is native to Central and South America.