Cosmos atrosanguineus
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCosmos
Zone8
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Cosmos atrosanguineus, commonly known as Chocolate Cosmos, is a tuberous perennial plant in the family Asteraceae. Native to Mexico, it is known for its dark maroon to almost black flowers that emit a chocolate scent. This plant prefers subtropical climates and has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bidens atrosanguinea
Bidens atrosanguinea var. atrosanguinea
Bidens atrosanguineus
Chocolate cosmos
Cosmos diversifolius var. atrosanguineus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Chocolate Cosmos thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be protected from frost. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages blooming.Soil
Chocolate Cosmos prefers well-draining loamy soil. It is important to ensure that the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent tuber rot. A soil mix that includes organic matter can help provide the necessary nutrients.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during the growing season. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to support healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Chocolate Cosmos in the spring before the growing season begins. Carefully remove the tubers from the old pot, check for any signs of rot, and place them in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.Propagation
Chocolate Cosmos can be propagated by division of tubers in the spring. Carefully separate the tubers, ensuring each division has at least one growing point, and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until new growth appears.Pruning
Prune Chocolate Cosmos regularly to remove spent flowers and encourage new blooms. Cut back the stems to just above a leaf node. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and prevents it from becoming leggy.Toxicity
Chocolate Cosmos is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.Additional
During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place if you live in a region with harsh winters. Replant the tubers in the spring for the next growing season.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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