Tridax daisy, coat buttons, herbe aux poux

tridax procumbens

Also known as: ["Coat buttons","Herbe aux poux","Tridax daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Tridax Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A creeping annual herb with daisy-like flowers, often considered a weed in tropical and subtropical regions.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Tridax
Botanical Name: Tridax procumbens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in warm, sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only in very dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid placing directly under intense afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, or when soil surface is dry

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (20–30°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; easily propagated from seeds as well.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss mix).

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

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

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress).

Cold Stress

Growth slows; leaves may turn yellow or drop; susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; reduce watering during cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch; growth may slow; increased susceptibility to pests.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Tridax procumbens can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, often leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Tridax procumbens is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought conditions or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline if prolonged.

Leaf spots on Tridax procumbens are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic area and potentially lead to defoliation.

Rotting in Tridax procumbens is often associated with excessive moisture or fungal infections, particularly affecting the roots or stems, which can lead to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Tridax procumbens. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

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

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Tridax procumbens can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Tridax procumbens contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.

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

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Wash hands after handling.
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 Tridax procumbens invasive?

A: Yes, it is considered invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions due to its rapid growth and seed dispersal.

Q: Can Tridax procumbens be used medicinally?

A: Yes, it has traditional uses in folk medicine for treating wounds and skin conditions.

Q: Does Tridax procumbens attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowering nature.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, or when soi
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Aztec Cress
View
Hairy Fleabane
View
Tatarian Thistle
View
Kleinia Stapeliformis
View