Flowering Tobacco
pseudogynoxys chenopodioides
Also known as: ["Flowering Tobacco","Wild Tobacco"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to South America, known for its small, white, fragrant flowers and foliage resembling that of tobacco plants.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Pseudogynoxys |
| Botanical Name: | Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or containers in warm climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, protect from intense midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pH is balanced.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid extreme cold or heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, indirect light with consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy stems, keep cuttings out of direct sun, maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, trim leggy stems, remove dead or damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, encourage bushier form, maintain size and shape.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune selectively, remove debris, monitor regrowth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, trim roots if necessary, ensure proper drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.
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 root zone, ensure deep watering to reach roots, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
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 coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for fertility, ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or damage if exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid drafty areas, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop if exposed to prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPseudogynoxys chenopodioides is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects resulting from exposure or ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicPseudogynoxys chenopodioides is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects resulting from exposure or ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicPseudogynoxys chenopodioides is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal conditions. The plant has no reported adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.
Q: How often should I water Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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