Dahlia coccinea aka Red Dahlia

Taxonomy

Dahlia coccinea, also known as the red dahlia, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Mexico, it is widely cultivated in various countries for its vibrant and showy flowers. This variable herbaceous perennial can reach heights of 1.2-1.5m, and occasionally up to 3m, with branched stems that are brown-purple in color. The leaves are toothed, dark green above and paler below, measuring up to 40cm in length and ranging from simple to three-pinnate. The single flowerheads, which bloom from summer to autumn, are 8-10cm across and feature golden centers surrounded by ray florets. While the most common color is bright orange-scarlet, the flowers can also be yellow, orange, dark maroon, or even multi-colored. If grown as a houseplant, the red dahlia requires regular watering and thrives best in direct light, preferably within one foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from the addition of a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Red Dahlia

How to care for Red Dahlia

Water

Red Dahlia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Dahlia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Red Dahlia requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Red Dahlia is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia