Globe Amaranth vs Monkey Grass Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa
Globe Amaranth is an annual flowering plant known for its globe-shaped flower heads that come in various colors, including purple, pink, red, orange, and white. Typically grown outdoors, it reaches a height of 1-2 feet. The plant has an upright growth habit with oval-shaped leaves. People grow it for its long-lasting blooms, which are excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements. It thrives in warm weather and full sun, making it a popular choice for summer gardens. While technically possible to grow indoors, it requires very bright light and consistent care to mimic its natural outdoor environment.
Monkey Grass
Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or monkey grass, is a grass-like perennial often used as a ground cover or border plant. It features clumps of arching, strap-like, dark green leaves. While it resembles grass, it's not a true grass. It produces spikes of small, lavender to purple flowers in late summer, followed by blackish berries. Primarily an outdoor plant, it's valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to suppress weeds. It's rarely grown indoors due to its need for bright light and outdoor conditions.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Globe Amaranth | Monkey Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires very bright, direct light if attempted indoors. |
| Watering | Every 2-3 days outdoors during hot weather; less frequently indoors (every 5-7 days) depending on light and temperature. | Outdoors: Every 7-14 days, depending on rainfall and temperature. Indoors (if attempted): Every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 21-27°C | 15-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate; Can Spread Via Rhizomes. |
| Max Height | 0.3-0.6 meters (indoors, typically smaller) | Outdoors: 30-45 cm. Indoors (unlikely to thrive): 20-30cm |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand. | Well-draining soil; sandy loam is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 10 minutes weekly (mostly weeding around the plant) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Globe Amaranth
| Scientific Name | Gomphrena globosa |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native To | Central America (Panama, Guatemala) |
| Also Known As | Globe Amaranth, Bachelor Button |
| Leaves | Oval to lance-shaped leaves, typically 2-4 inches long. They are usually green but can have a slightly reddish tinge. The leaves have a slightly rough texture. |
| Flowers | Flowers profusely outdoors in summer and fall. The flower heads are globe-shaped and come in various colors, including purple, pink, red, orange, and white. Indoor flowering is rare and requires ideal conditions. |
Monkey Grass
| Scientific Name | Liriope muscari |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native To | East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) |
| Also Known As | Lilyturf, Border Grass |
| Leaves | Strap-like, linear leaves, typically dark green in color. Can be variegated in some cultivars. Leaves are typically 20-40 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Produces spikes of small, lavender to purple flowers in late summer. Flowering is rare and less pronounced when grown indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Globe Amaranth
Monkey Grass
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Globe Amaranth
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Monkey Grass
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Division is best done in spring or fall. Dig up a clump and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots and leaves. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Globe Amaranth
Globe Amaranth's unique globe-shaped flowers retain their color and shape even when dried, making them ideal for crafts and dried flower arrangements. Unlike many annuals, it continues to bloom profusely throughout the summer with regular deadheading.
- ✓ Provides vibrant color to gardens and floral arrangements.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
- ✓ Flowers are excellent for drying and crafting.
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established outdoors.
- ✓ Can be grown in containers for smaller spaces.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Monkey Grass
It is a grass-like perennial that is not a true grass. It produces attractive flower spikes and berries. It is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance once established.
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes.
- ✓ Low maintenance ground cover.
- ✓ Weed suppression in garden beds.
- ✓ Drought tolerance once established.
- ✓ Provides visual interest with its foliage and flowers.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Globe Amaranth
Monkey Grass
🌞 Light Requirements
Globe Amaranth
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Monkey Grass
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires very bright, direct light if attempted indoors.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Globe Amaranth
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to drain well after watering. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry flower heads. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a mushy stem.
Monkey Grass
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil. Underwatering will cause the leaves to brown and droop. Ensure good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Globe Amaranth
Temperature: 21-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Monkey Grass
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosaGardeners who want colorful, long-lasting blooms for fresh or dried flower arrangements in a sunny outdoor space.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want vibrant, globe-shaped flowers in your garden.
- You need flowers that are excellent for drying and crafting.
- You have a sunny outdoor space with well-draining soil.
- You want to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden.
- You want a low-maintenance annual flower once established.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a location with full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You live in a climate with consistently cool or wet summers.
Monkey Grass
Liriope muscariGardeners seeking a low-maintenance ground cover or border plant in outdoor landscapes.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You need a low-maintenance ground cover for your garden.
- You want to control erosion on a slope.
- You need a plant that is drought-tolerant once established.
- You want to suppress weeds in your garden beds.
- You need a plant that tolerates partial shade.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest it, as it is toxic.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant, as it is challenging to grow indoors.
- You have limited space, as it can spread aggressively.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Globe Amaranth has moderate growth, while Monkey Grass grows moderate; can spread via rhizomes..
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Globe Amaranth Care Tips
Globe Amaranth is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the high light requirements. Consistent watering and fertilization are necessary for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent fungal diseases.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Protect from strong winds, which can damage the stems.
Monkey Grass Care Tips
Liriope muscari is primarily an outdoor plant. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to its high light requirements and need for well-draining soil. It can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes. Toxicity to pets is a significant concern.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize in spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every few years to control spread and rejuvenate the plant.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Globe Amaranth
Monkey Grass
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Globe Amaranth
What are the light requirements for Globe Amaranth?
Globe Amaranth requires ample sunlight to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing location is ideal, providing the most intense sunlight. If growing indoors, place the plant near a sunny window or supplement with grow lights. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, fewer flowers, and duller colors. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Plants grown in partial shade may still survive, but their flowering will be significantly reduced. Consider the intensity of the sun in your region, providing some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent scorching.
How do I care for Globe Amaranth?
Globe Amaranth is relatively easy to care for, thriving in warm, sunny conditions. Plant in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous flowering. Provide full sun, ideally 6-8 hours per day. Protect from frost, as Globe Amaranth is sensitive to cold temperatures. Space plants adequately to allow for good air circulation. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat accordingly. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage branching. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
How do I propagate Globe Amaranth?
Globe Amaranth is easily propagated from seed. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist potting mix and keep it humid until roots develop. Division is not typically used for Globe Amaranth. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Place in a warm, sunny location. Seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
Monkey Grass
What are the light requirements for Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light can lead to leggy growth and reduced vibrancy. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. East-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning light. North-facing windows can also work if the light is sufficient. If you notice the leaves fading or stretching towards the light source, move the plant to a brighter location. Consider using grow lights if natural light is insufficient, especially during winter months. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
How do I care for Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass is relatively easy to care for. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage to maintain its appearance and encourage new growth. Monkey Grass prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and appreciates high humidity. Mist the foliage regularly or use a humidifier to increase humidity levels, especially in dry environments. Repot every 2-3 years as needed, using a well-draining potting mix.
How do I propagate Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Last updated: April 24, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.