Amaranthus muricatus Plant Care

Amaranthus muricatus (Amaranthus muricatus) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Amaranthus genus. Amaranthus muricatus is native to South America.

Amaranthus muricatus displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amaranthus muricatus produces small, inconspicuous flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Amaranthus muricatus 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.

Amaranthus muricatus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Amaranthus muricatus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Amaranthus muricatus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Amaranthus muricatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Amaranthus muricatus every 4 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 high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Amaranthus muricatus is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Amaranthus muricatus can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Amaranthus muricatus 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.

Amaranthus muricatus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Amaranthus muricatus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southern amaranth plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Amaranthus muricatus 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.

Amaranthus muricatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Amaranthus muricatus is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Amaranthus muricatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.