Photo: VengolisCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Marsh Daisy Plant Care
Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Acmella uliginosa, also known as toothache plant, is a unique plant with small yellow flowers and dark green leaves that have a numbing effect when chewed. It is native to wetlands in South America and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its medicinal properties.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Marsh Daisy?
Water Marsh Daisy every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Marsh Daisy Native To?
What Is the Marsh Daisy?
Marsh Daisy (Acmella uliginosa) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Acmella genus. Marsh Daisy is native to South America. Marsh Daisy is also known as Creeping Spark, Toothache Plant, Calea savannarum.
Marsh Daisy displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Marsh Daisy produces small yellow or red button-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Marsh Daisy?
Acmella uliginosa requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Marsh Daisy Need?
Marsh Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Marsh Daisy Prefer?
Acmella uliginosa grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Marsh Daisy prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Marsh Daisy?
Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Marsh Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Marsh Daisy?
Feed Marsh Daisy every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Marsh Daisy?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Marsh Daisy?
Marsh Daisy can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white acmella plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Marsh Daisy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Marsh Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Marsh Daisy?
Marsh Daisy is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Marsh Daisy Need?
Marsh Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Marsh Daisy is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Marsh Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Marsh Daisy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acmella genus — compare its care with other Acmella species on PlantoScan.
Acmella is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Marsh Daisy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass., family Asteraceae (first published in Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 24: 331 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Marsh Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Vengolis, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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