Foxtail amaranth Plant Care
Euxolus caudatus Moq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Euxolus caudatus is instantly recognizable by its long, thin, trailing stems covered in small, succulent-like leaves. Originating from the forests of Madagascar, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and ability to cascade elegantly from hanging baskets or tall planters, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Foxtail amaranth?
Water Foxtail amaranth every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Foxtail amaranth Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Foxtail amaranth?
Foxtail amaranth (Euxolus caudatus) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Euxolus genus. Foxtail amaranth is native to the tropics of the Americas, specifically South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Foxtail amaranth is also known as Red-root amaranth.
Foxtail amaranth displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Foxtail amaranth produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Foxtail amaranth?
Euxolus caudatus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Foxtail amaranth Need?
Foxtail amaranth thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Foxtail amaranth Prefer?
Euxolus caudatus grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Foxtail amaranth prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Foxtail amaranth?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Foxtail amaranth to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Foxtail amaranth?
Feed Foxtail amaranth every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Foxtail amaranth?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Foxtail amaranth?
Foxtail amaranth can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Foxtail amaranth Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Foxtail amaranth, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Foxtail amaranth?
Foxtail amaranth is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Foxtail amaranth Need?
Foxtail amaranth grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Foxtail amaranth is native to the tropics of the Americas, specifically South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Foxtail amaranth as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Foxtail amaranth is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Euxolus genus (family Amaranthaceae) — search all Euxolus species in the plant lookup.
Foxtail amaranth thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Euxolus caudatus Moq., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Prodr. 13(2): 274 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Foxtail amaranth, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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