Zinnia haageana aka Mexican Zinnia

Taxonomy

Zinnia haageana is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae from Mexico. It is a compact, erect annual that grows to approximately 40cm tall. This vibrant plant has lance-shaped, mid-green leaves and produces double flowers from summer into autumn. The flowers are bi-colored, with petals that come in a range of colors, mainly shades of red tipped with yellow, orange, or cream. Zinnia haageana prefers a sunny position and does not tolerate freezing temperatures, making it necessary to sow it under cover in temperate zones and plant it out when all danger of frost has passed. The cultivar 'Aztec Orange' stands out with its double orange flowers and has been honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Mexican Zinnia, Narrow Leaved Zinnia, Orange Zinnia

How to care for Mexican Zinnia

Difficulty

Mexican Zinnia requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Mexican Zinnia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mexican Zinnia 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

Mexican Zinnia requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Mexican Zinnia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Mexican Zinnia is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia