Photo: AntanOCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Mexican Sunflower Plant Care
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its large, bright orange or yellow flowers that contrast against its deep green foliage. Originating from Mexico and Central America, Tithonia diversifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its vibrant colors and ability to attract butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mexican Sunflower?
Water Mexican Sunflower every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mexican Sunflower Native To?
What Is the Mexican Sunflower?
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tithonia genus. Mexican Sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America. Mexican Sunflower is also known as Tree Marigold, Japanese Sunflower, Golden Flower.
Mexican Sunflower displays a tall, upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mexican Sunflower produces bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mexican Sunflower?
Tithonia diversifolia requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mexican Sunflower Need?
Mexican Sunflower thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mexican Sunflower Prefer?
Tithonia diversifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Mexican Sunflower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mexican Sunflower?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mexican Sunflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mexican Sunflower?
Feed Mexican Sunflower 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 Mexican Sunflower?
Annual plant, repot each 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 Mexican Sunflower?
Mexican Sunflower can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mexican sunflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mexican Sunflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mexican 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 Mexican Sunflower?
Mexican Sunflower is susceptible to aphids, 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 Mexican Sunflower Need?
Mexican Sunflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mexican Sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America. In cooler regions, grow Mexican Sunflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mexican 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 Tithonia genus — compare its care with other Tithonia species on PlantoScan.
Tithonia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Mexican 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: Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray, family Asteraceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 19: 5 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mexican 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.
- Photo: AntanO, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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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