Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, IndiaCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Chenopodium Groundsel Plant Care
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Kunth) Cabrera
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, also known as Mexican flame vine, is a striking plant with vibrant orange tubular flowers that attract pollinators. Its elongated, serrated leaves add to its unique appeal. This plant is native to Mexico and Central America, where it thrives in tropical climates.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chenopodium Groundsel?
Water Chenopodium Groundsel every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Chenopodium Groundsel Native To?
What Is the Chenopodium Groundsel?
Chenopodium Groundsel (Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Pseudogynoxys genus. Chenopodium Groundsel is native to Central America and northern South America. Chenopodium Groundsel is also known as Mexican Flame Vine, Shrubby Mexican Flame, Shrubby Flame Violet.
Chenopodium Groundsel displays a vining, trailing habit growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chenopodium Groundsel produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chenopodium Groundsel?
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides 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 Chenopodium Groundsel Need?
Chenopodium Groundsel thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chenopodium Groundsel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chenopodium Groundsel Prefer?
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Chenopodium Groundsel prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chenopodium Groundsel?
Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Chenopodium Groundsel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chenopodium Groundsel?
Feed Chenopodium Groundsel every 2 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 2 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 Chenopodium Groundsel?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide more space for growth. 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 Chenopodium Groundsel?
Chenopodium Groundsel can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mexican flame vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chenopodium Groundsel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Chenopodium Groundsel?
Chenopodium Groundsel 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 Chenopodium Groundsel Need?
Chenopodium Groundsel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Chenopodium Groundsel is native to Central America and northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Chenopodium Groundsel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Chenopodium Groundsel 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 Pseudogynoxys genus — compare its care with other Pseudogynoxys species on PlantoScan.
Pseudogynoxys is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Chenopodium Groundsel 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: Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Kunth) Cabrera, family Asteraceae (first published in Brittonia 7(1): 56 (1950)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Chenopodium Groundsel is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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