Prince's Feather vs Princess Flower Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Prince's Feather
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Prince's Feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is an annual flowering plant known for its striking, upright flower spikes that come in shades of red, pink, or purple. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet. It is primarily an outdoor plant, cultivated for its ornamental value in gardens and as a grain crop. People grow it for its vibrant colors and architectural presence in flower beds and borders. While it can be started indoors, it requires very bright light and ample space to thrive, making it challenging to maintain indoors long-term.
Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleana
Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as Princess Flower, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its vibrant purple flowers. Native to Brazil, it typically grows outdoors in warm climates. It features velvety, dark green leaves and produces profuse blooms throughout the warmer months. While it can be grown in containers, it requires significant sunlight and humidity to thrive, making it challenging to maintain indoors long-term. People grow it for its showy flowers and tropical appearance.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Prince's Feather | Princess Flower |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 days outdoors during hot weather; less frequently when grown indoors (if attempted). | Every 3-7 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Max Height | 3-8 feet outdoors; significantly smaller if grown in a container indoors (1-3 feet). | 1-2 meters (indoors, rarely reaches outdoor size) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite is suitable. | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly (weeding, watering, deadheading). | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Prince's Feather
| Scientific Name | Amaranthus hypochondriacus |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native To | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Also Known As | Prince's Feather, Prince-of-Wales Feather, Amaranth |
| Leaves | The leaves are lance-shaped to oval, typically 4-8 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. They are usually green but can have reddish or purplish hues, especially in the stems and veins. The texture is smooth and slightly fleshy. |
| Flowers | It flowers readily outdoors. The flowers are small and densely packed on upright, feathery spikes. The spikes come in shades of red, pink, purple, or occasionally yellow. Flowering typically occurs from mid-summer to fall. |
Princess Flower
| Scientific Name | Tibouchina urvilleana |
|---|---|
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Native To | Brazil |
| Also Known As | Princess Flower, Glory Bush, Lasiandra |
| Leaves | Oppositely arranged, ovate to lance-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. The leaves are typically dark green and can grow up to 15 cm long. |
| Flowers | Produces profuse, showy purple flowers with prominent stamens. Flowers are typically 7-10 cm in diameter. Flowering is less likely indoors due to insufficient light. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Prince's Feather
Princess Flower
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Prince's Feather
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Princess Flower
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Prince's Feather
Prince's Feather stands out due to its tall, upright flower spikes in vibrant colors. Unlike many ornamental plants, its seeds are also edible, adding to its versatility. Its dramatic presence makes it a focal point in any garden.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to your garden
- ✓ Adds vibrant color and visual interest
- ✓ Provides a food source for birds
- ✓ Relatively easy to grow from seed outdoors
- ✓ Creates a dramatic focal point in flower beds.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Princess Flower
The velvety texture of the leaves and the vibrant purple color of the flowers make this plant stand out. It's also a fast grower, quickly filling in garden spaces.
- ✓ Provides vibrant color to gardens and patios.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Can be pruned into a desired shape.
- ✓ Offers a tropical aesthetic.
- ✓ Can be grown in containers on patios or balconies.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Prince's Feather
Princess Flower
🌞 Light Requirements
Prince's Feather
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Princess Flower
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Prince's Feather
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting and drooping leaves. Overwatering signs include yellowing leaves and a soggy soil.
Princess Flower
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain away. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves; signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Prince's Feather
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Princess Flower
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Prince's Feather
Amaranthus hypochondriacusGardeners looking for a striking, tall annual plant to add vertical interest and vibrant color to their flower beds.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic, tall plant for your garden
- You need a plant that attracts pollinators
- You want to add vibrant color to your outdoor space
- You are looking for a fast-growing annual
- You want to harvest seeds for future planting.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight indoors
- You have pets that might ingest the plant
- You prefer low-maintenance houseplants.
Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleanaExperienced gardeners in warm climates who want a showy flowering shrub for their garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.
- You want a plant with vibrant purple flowers.
- You have experience caring for demanding plants.
- You have a greenhouse or sunroom to provide adequate light and humidity.
- You are willing to provide regular pruning and fertilization.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with limited sunlight.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You don't have time for regular pruning and fertilization.
- You don't have a bright, sunny location.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Prince's Feather Care Tips
Prince's Feather is primarily an outdoor plant requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential size. It is toxic to pets, requiring careful placement if grown in areas accessible to animals.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect from strong winds, as the tall flower spikes can be susceptible to breakage.
Princess Flower Care Tips
Princess Flower is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and high humidity. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the difficulty of providing adequate light and humidity. It needs regular watering and fertilization. Expect reduced flowering and potential pest issues indoors.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Prince's Feather
Princess Flower
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Prince's Feather
What are the light requirements for Prince's Feather?
Prince’s Feather needs ample sunlight to produce its signature vibrant blooms. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light will result in leggy growth, fewer flowers, and duller colors.
How do I care for Prince's Feather?
Prince’s Feather thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
How do I propagate Prince's Feather?
Prince’s Feather can be propagated by seed. Collect seeds from dried flower heads in the fall. Direct sow seeds in the spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Princess Flower
What are the light requirements for Princess Flower?
Princess Flower thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. A location near an east- or west-facing window is often suitable indoors. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. If grown outdoors, provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. During the winter months, when sunlight is less intense, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights.
How do I care for Princess Flower?
Princess Flower requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Provide bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Maintain a moderate humidity level, especially indoors. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Repot every 1-2 years as needed, using a slightly larger pot. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat promptly if detected. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
How do I propagate Princess Flower?
Princess Flower can be propagated using stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Rooting typically occurs within 4-8 weeks. Division can be done when repotting mature plants, carefully separating the root ball. Keikis are not common on Princess Flower.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.