Acmella buphthalmoides Plant Care

Acmella buphthalmoides (Ceratocephalus diffusus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ceratocephalus genus. Acmella buphthalmoides is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, primarily in the coastal plain from Texas to North Carolina and in the lower Mississippi Valley from Missouri to Louisiana. Acmella buphthalmoides is also known as Andrieuxia mexicana, Anthemis americana, Anthemis buphthalmoides.

Acmella buphthalmoides displays a low-growing mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Acmella buphthalmoides produces small white or pink clustered flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Acmella buphthalmoides every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Acmella buphthalmoides thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ceratocephalus diffusus tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Acmella buphthalmoides prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Acmella buphthalmoides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Acmella buphthalmoides every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Acmella buphthalmoides is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Acmella buphthalmoides can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Acmella buphthalmoides while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Acmella buphthalmoides is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Acmella buphthalmoides can be propagated through seeds.

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Acmella buphthalmoides is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Acmella buphthalmoides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Acmella buphthalmoides is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, primarily in the coastal plain from Texas to North Carolina and in the lower Mississippi Valley from Missouri to Louisiana. In cooler regions, grow Acmella buphthalmoides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.