Amaranthaceae
Prince's Feather: Care and Growing Guide
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and fertile, well-draining soil. Water moderately, about once a week, avoiding waterlogging. It is drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to overwatering, which promotes root rot.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
15° - 35°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Prince's Feather?
Prince's Feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a easy-care plant from the Amaranthaceae family. Amaranthus hypochondriacus, commonly known as Prince's Feather, is an annual herbaceous plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It can grow up to 2 meters tall, with lanceolate leaves and dense, erect flower spikes in shades of red and burgundy that stand out from su...
Prince's Feather grows up to 2.0m, spread of 40cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 35°C, 40–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Prince's Feather tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Prince's Feather is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Prince's Feather?
TLDR: Prince's Feather needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Prince's Feather?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once a week; avoid soggy soil.
How Much Light Does Prince's Feather Need?
Needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct light per day, to grow and flower well.
What Is the Best Soil for Prince's Feather?
Adapts to sandy, clay, or loamy soils as long as they are well-draining; pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
What Pot Should You Use for Prince's Feather?
A large, deep pot (at least 30cm deep) with good drainage, if grown in a container.
What Is Prince's Feather and Where Does It Come From?
Amaranthus hypochondriacus, commonly known as Prince's Feather, is an annual herbaceous plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It can grow up to 2 meters tall, with lanceolate leaves and dense, erect flower spikes in shades of red and burgundy that stand out from summer through fall. It is grown both as an ornamental plant and as a protein-rich edible grain.
How to Propagate Prince's Feather?
Direct sowing
A drop in temperature overnight aids germination. Avoid sowing in cold soil.
- 1 Sow directly in its final spot after the last frost, once soil has warmed
- 2 Cover seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil
- 3 Keep soil moist until germination, which takes 7-14 days
- 4 Thin seedlings to 30-45cm apart
Materials needed:
Stem cutting
Keep in a shaded, humid spot until rooted.
- 1 Cut a healthy 10-15cm stem cutting
- 2 Remove lower leaves
- 3 Place in water or moist substrate until roots form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Prince's Feather Grow?
TLDR: Prince's Feather can reach up to 2.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional treatment for diarrhea and heavy menstruation (rich in tannins)
- Gargle for throat inflammation and mouth ulcers
- Applied externally for wounds and nosebleeds
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves cooked like spinach, rich in vitamins and minerals
- Seeds eaten raw, cooked, popped like popcorn, or sprouted
- Seed flour used for breads and porridge
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Prince's Feather?
TLDR: Prince's Feather is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Immortality and eternal love — the name "amaranth" comes from the Greek "amarantos" ("unfading"), symbolizing persistence and lasting life.
Fun Facts
The name "amaranth" comes from Greek and means "unfading," referring to how long its dried flowers last
Its seeds were a sacred food of the Aztecs, even used in rituals
It can grow up to 2 meters tall in a single season
Frequently asked questions
Is Prince's Feather toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water Prince's Feather?
Does Prince's Feather need full sun?
What are the most common diseases of Prince's Feather?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
