Plant Care Wormseed

Wormseed

About Wormseed

Wormseed is a popular houseplant 🌿 that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Wormseed likes soil that is well draining. You may want to supplement with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

Wormseed belongs to the Dysphania genus, and is native to the Americas and subantarctic islands.

⚠️ Wormseed is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. These plants are not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Taxonomy

Dysphania ambrosioides
Dysphania
Amaranthaceae
Caryophyllales

Also known as

Jesuit's tea, Mexican-tea, Payqu, Epazote, Mastruz and Herba sanctæ mariæ

How to care for Wormseed

💦 Water

How often to water your Wormseed

Water needs for Wormseed
0.5 cups
every 9

Wormseed needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Wormseed

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Wormseed in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Wormseed: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Wormseed love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Wormseed does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Wormseed in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Wormseed

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Wormseed: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Wormseed after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Wormseed prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Wormseed Water Frequency →

Wormseed Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Wormseed requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Wormseed Light Requirements →

Wormseed Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Wormseed is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Wormseed is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


🪴 Soil

Wormseed does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Wormseed →

When and How to Successfully Repot Wormseed →

What Are Healthy Wormseed Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Wormseed is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Wormseed →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Wormseed grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Wormseed Lifecycle →

Wormseed Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Wormseed →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Wormseed can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Wormseed Temperature Tolerance →

Wormseed Hardiness Zones →

Is Wormseed a Weed? →


🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Wormseed can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

How to Propagate Wormseed →


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Wormseed, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Wormseed

Wormseed

Wormseed


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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