Mexican tea, wormseed, epazote

dysphania ambrosioides

Also known as: ["Mexican tea","wormseed","epazote","Mexican wormseed"]

Family: Amphorogynaceae Genus: Dysphania Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A strongly aromatic annual herb native to Central and South America, traditionally used as a culinary herb and for its anthelmintic properties.

Benefits & Perks

["culinary herb","fragrant flowers","medicinal use","disease resistant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amphorogynaceae
Genus: Dysphania
Botanical Name: Dysphania ambrosioides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a warm, sunny spot or container in a sheltered patio
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Culinary Herb Gardeners Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can be cut back by one-third if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but prefers shade from harsh afternoon rays.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade, especially in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with root rot or stunted growth due to poor drainage; wilting despite moist soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in cool conditions.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers warm conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C); sensitive to frost and cold drafts.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from air conditioning vents or heaters.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Maintain moisture and warmth.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in fresh soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in cold; leaf drop or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of root rot due to reduced evaporation.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; may drop flowers or buds prematurely.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); cease in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Dysphania ambrosioides may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Dysphania ambrosioides is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Dysphania ambrosioides may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Dysphania ambrosioides due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild toxicity from Dysphania ambrosioides if they consume large amounts of the plant. The toxic principle, ascaridole, can cause gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested in large quantities

Prevent cats from accessing large quantities of epazote. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, Dysphania ambrosioides can be slightly toxic if ingested in significant amounts due to the presence of ascaridole. While the plant is not highly toxic, overconsumption may lead to gastrointestinal upset and other mild symptoms.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested in large quantities

Keep pets away from large quantities of epazote. If ingestion occurs, monitor the animal for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as epazote, contains toxic compounds such as ascaridole, which can cause adverse effects when consumed in large amounts. The plant has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly as an anthelmintic, but excessive ingestion can lead to physiological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Use epazote in moderation, especially in culinary applications. Avoid consumption of seeds and large quantities of leaves to prevent potential toxicity.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is epazote safe for human consumption?

A: Yes, when used in moderation as a culinary herb, it is generally considered safe.

Q: Can epazote be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with sufficient sunlight and warmth.

Q: What are the traditional uses of epazote?

A: Traditionally, it has been used to treat intestinal parasites and as a flavoring in bean dishes.

Quick Reference
Family: Amphorogynaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","culinary herb gardeners","fragrance lovers"]
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