Aztec Cress

porophyllum ruderale

Also known as: ["Mexican Cilantro","Pepicha","Quilquina"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Porophyllum Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A herbaceous annual plant native to the Americas, valued for its pungent, cilantro-like leaves used in traditional cuisine.

Benefits & Perks

["culinary herb","fragrant flowers","fast growing"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Porophyllum
Botanical Name: Porophyllum ruderale

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a warm, sunny location
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Culinary Herb Gardeners Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; move indoors during extreme heat or cold.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Use shade cloth in intense sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

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

Temperature

Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers stable conditions, avoiding extremes.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

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

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select a healthy stem.
  2. Cut below a node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Apply rooting hormone.
  5. Plant in medium.
  6. Keep moist.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix

Quick Tips

Use a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut just above a leaf node or lateral branch.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged growth; shape the plant to encourage bushier growth; promote airflow to reduce disease risk.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilized knife

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

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 after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
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

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf damage, and may lead to death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover with a frost cloth; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

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

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Porophyllum ruderale may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Porophyllum ruderale can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting nutrient uptake and plant stability.

Leaf spots on Porophyllum ruderale are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Porophyllum ruderale due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Porophyllum ruderale is not considered toxic to cats when consumed in small amounts. It does not pose a significant risk to feline health.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Treat as a non-toxic plant; ingestion in small amounts is unlikely to cause harm.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Porophyllum ruderale is not known to be toxic to dogs when ingested in small quantities. It is not typically associated with adverse effects in canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Treat as a non-toxic plant; ingestion in small amounts is unlikely to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Porophyllum ruderale, commonly known as cilantro or Mexican coriander, is generally considered non-toxic to humans when consumed in culinary amounts. It is widely used as a herb in various cuisines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Handle as a common culinary herb; no special precautions are necessary for typical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Porophyllum ruderale safe for pets?

A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How does Aztec Cress taste?

A: It has a pungent, cilantro-like flavor with peppery notes.

Q: Can I grow Porophyllum ruderale indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and proper care.

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