Florist’s chrysanthemum care guide
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Quick answer
Water your florist’s chrysanthemum when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 3 to 5 days.
- WateringEvery 3 to 5 days · summer
Every 6 to 10 days · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 3 to 5 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 6 to 10 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Florist’s chrysanthemum needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your florist’s chrysanthemum every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 16–24 °C (61–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Chrysanthemum genus, so this applies to every Chrysanthemum species, including this one.
Full florist’s chrysanthemum toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a florist’s chrysanthemum?
Water your florist’s chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 3 to 5 days. In winter, slow down to every 6 to 10 days.
How much light does a florist’s chrysanthemum need?
Florist’s chrysanthemum needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is florist’s chrysanthemum safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep florist’s chrysanthemum out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like wax plant, sweetheart plant, Gerbera daisy, or bloodleaf.
Why is my florist’s chrysanthemum turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted hybrid name · classification
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachLight · temperature · surface dry-down · drainage · after-flowering handling · Florist/garden distinction · flowering darkness · overwintering and rebloom limits
- Penn State ExtensionLight · moisture · temperature · repotting · fertilizer · rebloom and flowering cycle
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxScientific name · light and soil · insects · fungal and bacterial problems
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlChrysanthemum spp. pet-safety record · not species- or hybrid-exact for Chrysanthemum × morifolium
- How we check our plant advice
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