Dahlia merckii
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Dahlia merckii, commonly known as Merck's dahlia, is a tuberous geophyte in the family Asteraceae. Native to the highlands of Mexico, it thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates. This plant is known for its beautiful, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. It undergoes a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Dahlia cosmiflora
Dahlia decaisneana
Dahlia glabrata
Dahlia minor
Dahlia scapigera f. merckii
Merckii dahlia
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Dahlia merckii requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Soil
Dahlia merckii thrives in well-draining loam soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Dahlia merckii in the spring before the growing season begins. Carefully remove the tubers from the old pot, trim any damaged roots, and plant them in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.Propagation
Propagate Dahlia merckii by dividing the tubers in the spring. Each division should have at least one eye or bud. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.Pruning
Prune Dahlia merckii regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Remove spent blooms and any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning also helps improve air circulation around the plant.Toxicity
Dahlia merckii is not toxic to pets or humans. However, some individuals may experience skin irritation from handling the plant. It is always best to wear gloves when working with dahlias.Additional
To encourage more blooms, pinch back the growing tips of the plant in early summer. This will promote branching and result in more flowers. Additionally, staking may be necessary to support the tall flower stems and prevent them from toppling over.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
