A flowering plant in the amaranth family with glossy bright red, green, white to variegated leaves, although it rarely blooms in cultivation and is grown for its showy foliage. In the garden, this plant requires moist though well-drained soil and full sun for best color. Pinching back is recommended to maintain shape and removing buds concentrates the plant's energy in producing the colorful foliage. While it is generally grown as an annual in cooler climates, this tender perennial can be brought indoors in the winter and grown as a houseplant in a soil-based loamy potting mix. Water regularly, but do not let it sit in water, give it warm temperatures and bright light. Reduce water at the outset, fall to winter, and protect from direct afternoon sun. Pruning can maintain a height of 12-18 inches. If it becomes leggy, it is not getting enough light; cut back and the clippings may be rooted in water.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.