Photo: IxitixelCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Ageratina adenophora Plant Care
Eupatorium adenophorum Hort.Berol. ex Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ageratina adenophora (synonym Eupatorium adenophorum), commonly known as Crofton weed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Mexico and Central America. Originally grown as an ornamental plant, it has become invasive into farmland and bushland worldwide. It is toxic to horses, who develop a respiratory disease known as Numinbah Horse Sickness after eating it.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ageratina adenophora?
Water Ageratina adenophora 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ageratina adenophora Native To?
What Is the Ageratina adenophora?
Ageratina adenophora (Eupatorium adenophorum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eupatorium genus. Ageratina adenophora is native to Mexico. Ageratina adenophora is also known as Sticky ageratum, Crofton weed, Ageratina trapezoidea.
Ageratina adenophora displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ageratina adenophora produces clusters of small, fluffy white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ageratina adenophora?
Eupatorium adenophorum 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 Ageratina adenophora Need?
Ageratina adenophora thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ageratina adenophora Prefer?
Eupatorium adenophorum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Ageratina adenophora prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ageratina adenophora?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ageratina adenophora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ageratina adenophora?
Feed Ageratina adenophora every 4 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 4 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 Ageratina adenophora?
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 Ageratina adenophora?
Ageratina adenophora can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white thoroughwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ageratina adenophora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ageratina adenophora, 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 Ageratina adenophora?
Ageratina adenophora is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. 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 Ageratina adenophora Need?
Ageratina adenophora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ageratina adenophora is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Ageratina adenophora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ageratina adenophora 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 Eupatorium genus — compare its care with other Eupatorium species on PlantoScan.
Eupatorium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Ageratina adenophora thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eupatorium Species
Other Eupatorium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eupatorium adenophorum Hort.Berol. ex Kunth, family Asteraceae (first published in Index Seminum [Berlin] 13. 1847) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ageratina adenophora, 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: Ixitixel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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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