Chrysanthemum (mum)
Chrysanthemum × morifolium (syn. Dendranthema morifolium)
Ornamental flowering perennial (often grown as annuals) with showy daisy-like blooms in many colors, commonly called mums; popular in gardens and containers.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones; ingestion or contact can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea or skin irritation in pets.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place mums where they receive bright, indirect light for at least 4–6 hours daily. Morning sun is fine; avoid hot afternoon sun that scorches leaves. Indoor windows facing east or bright north spots work well.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 cm (½–1 in) feels dry, allow excess to drain, and avoid letting the plant sit in a saucer of water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Mums prefer moderate humidity. Maintain average indoor humidity (40–60%). Increase humidity with a tray of pebbles and water or a nearby humidifier during very dry winter months.
Temperature
Ideal daytime 15–24°C (59–75°F), nighttime 7–15°C (45–59°F). Cooler nights help encourage bud set and longer bloom life without exposing to frost.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing lower leaves and poor growth
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage causing root stress
Solution: Reduce watering, improve soil drainage, repot into well-draining mix and remove rotten roots
Leggy stems and few blooms
Cause: Insufficient light or lack of pinching/backcutting
Solution: Move to brighter location, pinch growing tips in spring to encourage bushiness and repeat every few weeks until mid-summer
Aphids, whiteflies or spider mites
Cause: Warm, stagnant indoor conditions and overcrowding
Solution: Rinse foliage, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, increase air circulation and isolate affected plants
Bud drop or poor bud set
Cause: High nighttime temperatures, inconsistent watering, or too much nitrogen fertilizer
Solution: Provide cooler nights, steady moisture, and switch to a phosphorus-rich bloom fertilizer
✂️How to Propagate Chrysanthemum (mum)
Division: in spring or after bloom, dig and separate clumps into sections with roots and shoots, then replant at same depth. Stem cuttings: take 7–10 cm tip cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, insert into moist soilless mix, keep humid and shaded until rooted. Seeds: sow in spring on surface of seed mix, keep moist and warm until germination.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Asteraceae
Native to: East Asia (China, Japan) with cultivation across temperate Eurasia
Natural Habitat: Open, temperate regions such as meadows, field edges and light woodlands with well-drained, moderately fertile soils and regular moisture but good drainage.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and keep plants cool but above 7°C. Move indoors from frost, provide bright light and avoid drafts. Cut back faded blooms.
Spring
Start regular watering and feed with balanced fertilizer. Divide overcrowded clumps and begin pinching to shape and increase branching.
Summer
Maintain even moisture, pinch for repeat blooming, protect from intense afternoon sun, and watch for pests in warm weather.
Fall
Provide bright light and cooler nights to promote flowering. Deadhead spent blooms and reduce fertilizer after peak bloom finishes.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my chrysanthemum?
Water when the top 1–2 cm is dry, typically every 3–7 days depending on temperature and pot size.
Do mums need full sun?
They prefer bright light with some morning sun; avoid hot afternoon sun that can scorch leaves.
Are chrysanthemums poisonous to pets?
Yes. Chrysanthemums are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause vomiting, drooling and skin irritation.
When should I pinch my mums for bushier growth?
Begin pinching in spring when shoots reach 5–8 cm and repeat every few weeks until mid-summer to encourage fullness.
How do I overwinter outdoor mums?
After frost, mulch heavily around roots, reduce watering, and consider lifting and storing pots in a cool frost-free spot if temperatures fall below freezing.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025