Dwarf Cardinalfish Plant Care
Apogon humilis Elliott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Krigia cespitosa, known as common dwarf-dandelion, opposite-leaved dwarf-dandelion, or weedy dwarfdandelion, is a North American species of plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to northeastern Mexico and to the southeastern and south-central United States, from Florida to Texas and north as far as southeastern Nebraska, southern Illinois, and central West Virginia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Water Dwarf Cardinalfish every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dwarf Cardinalfish Native To?
What Is the Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Dwarf Cardinalfish (Apogon humilis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Apogon genus. Dwarf Cardinalfish is native to northeastern Mexico and to the southeastern and south-central United States, from Florida to Texas and north as far as southeastern Nebraska, southern Illinois, and central West Virginia.
Dwarf Cardinalfish displays a compact, mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dwarf Cardinalfish produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Apogon humilis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dwarf Cardinalfish Need?
Dwarf Cardinalfish thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf Cardinalfish Prefer?
Apogon humilis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Dwarf Cardinalfish prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Cardinalfish to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Feed Dwarf Cardinalfish every 6 months 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 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Repot every 2-3 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 Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Dwarf Cardinalfish can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps.
Is the Dwarf Cardinalfish Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf Cardinalfish, 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 Dwarf Cardinalfish?
Dwarf Cardinalfish is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Dwarf Cardinalfish Need?
Dwarf Cardinalfish grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dwarf Cardinalfish is native to northeastern Mexico and to the southeastern and south-central United States, from Florida to Texas and north as far as southeastern Nebraska, southern Illinois, and central West Virginia. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Cardinalfish as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf Cardinalfish 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 Apogon genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Apogon species in the plant lookup.
Dwarf Cardinalfish 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: Apogon humilis Elliott, family Asteraceae (first published in Sketch Bot. S. Carolina 2: 267 (1823)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf Cardinalfish, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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