Mexican Sunflower Plant Care
Tithonia rotundifolia S.F.Blake
Tithonia rotundifolia, the red sunflower or Mexican sunflower, is a plant in the family Asteraceae whose native range is Mexico to Central America and which grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
What Is the Mexican Sunflower?
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tithonia genus. Mexican Sunflower is also known as Tree Marigold.
Mexican Sunflower displays a tall, upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 6 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Mexican Sunflower produces bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mexican Sunflower?
Tithonia rotundifolia 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 conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–4000 lux. Avoid placing Mexican Sunflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun
2000–4000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mexican Sunflower Prefer?
Tithonia rotundifolia grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 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 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.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
Is the Mexican Sunflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mexican Sunflower Need?
Mexican Sunflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. 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.
Mexican Sunflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
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