Dark Sunflower Plant Care
Heliomeris obscura Cockerell
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Heliomeris obscura is a rare Mexican species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It has been found only in a remote area of dry shrublands in eastern Mexico, in the states of Puebla and Veracruz.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dark Sunflower?
Water Dark Sunflower 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 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Dark Sunflower?
Dark Sunflower (Heliomeris obscura) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Heliomeris genus.
Dark Sunflower displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dark Sunflower produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dark Sunflower?
Heliomeris obscura 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 Dark Sunflower Need?
Dark Sunflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dark Sunflower Prefer?
Heliomeris obscura grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Dark Sunflower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dark Sunflower?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dark Sunflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dark Sunflower?
Feed Dark Sunflower 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 Dark Sunflower?
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 Dark Sunflower?
Dark Sunflower can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to longleaf sunflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dark Sunflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dark Sunflower, 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 Dark Sunflower?
Dark Sunflower 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 Dark Sunflower Need?
Dark Sunflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Dark Sunflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dark Sunflower 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 Heliomeris genus — compare its care with other Heliomeris species on PlantoScan.
Heliomeris is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Dark Sunflower 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: Heliomeris obscura Cockerell, family Asteraceae (first published in Torreya 18: 183 (1918)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dark Sunflower, 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 12a, 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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