ðŸŒą PropagateDirectory
Plants / Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Also known as: Mum, Hardy Garden Mum

⚠ïļ Toxic to petsAsteraceaeEasy to propagate

A complete guide to growing and propagating Chrysanthemum: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.

Chrysanthemum care at a glance

☀ïļ Light
Full sun; needs at least 6 hours for compact, floriferous plants.
💧 Water
Keep evenly moist; water when the top inch dries.
ðŸŠī Soil
Rich, well-draining soil.
ðŸ’Ļ Humidity
Perennial hardy in zones 5-9, though often grown as a fall annual.
ðŸū Toxicity
Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (ASPCA); pyrethrins cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and incoordination.

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Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

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How to propagate Chrysanthemum

Softwood cuttings

Difficulty: EasyTimeline: Roots in 2-3 weeks; pot on once rooted.
  1. Take a 3-4 inch non-flowering tip cutting in spring.
  2. Strip the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
  3. Insert into moist cutting mix and keep lightly humid.
  4. Pot on once rooted.

Division

Difficulty: Very easyTimeline: Immediate; re-establishes within a season.
  1. Lift an established clump in spring as new growth appears.
  2. Split it into sections with roots and shoots, discarding the woody center.
  3. Replant divisions at the same depth.
  4. Water in and keep moist while establishing.

Common Chrysanthemum problems & fixes

Cuttings rot before they root

Too wet or no airflow. Use a free-draining mix, water sparingly, and vent the humidity cover daily.

Cuttings wilt after taking them

Normal at first — keep humidity high under a dome, out of direct sun, until roots form and perk them up.

Powdery mildew on leaves

Poor airflow and damp foliage. Space plants out, water at the base, and improve circulation.

Track your chrysanthemum cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

Get SnipLog →

Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications — if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.