Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides)

Also known as: American wormseed, Jesuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, Epazote

**Dysphania ambrosioides**, commonly known as Mexican tea or epazote, is native to tropical regions of the Americas. This plant features leaves and stems with tiny glands that emit a pungent odor. It often thrives as a weed along roadsides and near stream beds.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Mexican tea

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.2 m

Spread

45 cm

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Red Gold

Flower Size

1 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

Green Yellow

Images of Mexican tea

Quickly Identify Mexican tea

Distinctive musky aroma from oil-secreting glands on stems and leaves.

Small, greenish flowers clustered on 1-inch spikes at stem ends.

Oval achenes with inward-curved sepals and black, egg-shaped seeds.

Leaves with oil-secreting glands and variable margins; rough texture aids identification.

Round, hairless stems with conspicuous veins, oil-secreting glands, and branching patterns.

Scientific Classification of Mexican tea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Amaranth

Genus

Dysphania

Species

Mexican tea

Planting and Growing of Mexican tea

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-78℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Mexican tea?

When watering Dysphania ambrosioides, ensure the soil is soaked thoroughly but not oversaturated. Use around 300 milliliters of water, enough to moisten the soil without pooling on the surface. The goal is to mimic natural rainfall conditions.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Mexican tea? ›

What should I do if my Mexican tea is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Mexican tea? ›

How to save an overwatered Mexican tea? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Mexican tea?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Dysphania ambrosioides' ideal light range includes full sun to partial sun. This exposure promotes strong and healthy foliage, maintains an upright growth habit, and enhances the plant's aromatic properties.

What kind of sunlight does Dysphania ambrosioides prefer? ›

How can I achieve the ideal light conditions at home? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal sunlight? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Mexican tea?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 78℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Dysphania ambrosioides is between 65°F and 78°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth and metabolic activities. Plant processes such as photosynthesis and respiration reach their maximum efficiency within this temperature range, promoting healthy development and vigor. Maintaining this ideal range ensures the plant's vitality, making it more resistant to pests and diseases. Consistently monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions to stay within this range significantly enhances overall plant health.

What Soil is Best for Mexican tea?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Dysphania ambrosioides thrives in well-drained soils that prevent water stagnation. This helps avoid root rot and ensures the plant gets enough oxygen, which is vital for its growth. The plant prefers soils with a moderate nutrient content. Excessive nutrients can lead to overly lush foliage with fewer flowers, while too little nutrients can stunt growth. Low salinity in the soil prevents dehydration and nutrient imbalance, ensuring that Dysphania ambrosioides maintains robust health and optimal growth potential.

How to Fertilize Mexican tea?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Dysphania ambrosioides, ensure a balanced use of nutrients. When using liquid fertilizers, opt for a half-strength solution to avoid nutrient burn. Apply approximately 1 tablespoon per plant per application.

How to Prune Mexican tea?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by assessing the overall structure of the Dysphania ambrosioides and remove any damaged or dead leaves and stems. Focus on areas where the plant appears too dense, and carefully trim these sections to encourage better air circulation and light penetration. This will help prevent fungal diseases and stimulate new growth. For a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, shape the plant by trimming longer branches just above a leaf node. This involves deciding on a desired 'silhouette' and trimming back any branches that extend beyond this shape. This will help maintain a more compact and tidy form, which is especially useful if Dysphania ambrosioides is part of a garden display or herb border.

How to Propagate Mexican tea plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Start by acquiring fresh seeds. They should be soaked overnight in water to enhance germination rates before planting in a seed tray filled with a mix of soil and compost.

Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut a 4-6 inch section. Remove lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Plant seeds or cuttings in moist soil. Water lightly and cover the tray with a clear lid to maintain humidity. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases.

How to Repot Mexican tea plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Dysphania ambrosioides should be repotted when you notice it has outgrown its current pot, indicated by roots growing through drainage holes or a visibly root-bound appearance. Spring or early summer is ideal, allowing ample growing season to adjust. Additionally, if water drainage becomes poor indicating old, compacted soil, it's time for a fresh nutrient boost which new soil will provide.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. A terracotta pot is recommended as it helps regulate soil moisture by allowing excess water to evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot. The new pot should be clean and have a stable base to prevent tipping over as the plant grows.

Opt for a well-draining, sandy loam soil mix, which is ideal for Dysphania ambrosioides. This mixture provides excellent drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture and nutrients for healthy growth. Including perlite or coarse sand will improve the soil structure, preventing waterlogged roots and enabling robust development.

Toxicity of Mexican tea

Is Mexican tea toxic to humans?

The essential oil derived from the external parts of Mexican tea, including its flowers, stems, and leaves, is highly toxic and can result in symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, and potentially even death if ingested. Various species within the Dysphania genus possess saponins, a harmful chemical that can pose risks when introduced into the body. Additionally, Mexican tea contains oxalic acid, which is not inherently toxic. However, consuming it in significant amounts can lead to calcium binding in the body, making it ineffective and resulting in calcium deficiency. It is advised that individuals suffering from conditions such as arthritis, kidney stones, gout, hyperacidity, and rheumatism steer clear of Mexican tea, as it may exacerbate their symptoms.

Is Mexican tea toxic to cat?

The berries and seeds of the Mexican tea plant (Dysphania ambrosioides) possess a moderate level of toxicity to felines. Ingestion of even a minor quantity can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian if these symptoms persist for an extended period, to prevent complications related to dehydration.

Is Mexican tea toxic to dog?

The Mexican tea plant poses a significant toxicity risk to dogs. Every part of this plant harbors a range of toxic compounds that can irritate a dog's gastrointestinal system, even in minimal amounts, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. When consumed in larger quantities, these substances may result in respiratory distress, seizures, loss of consciousness, or potentially fatal outcomes. Although dogs typically do not ingest large amounts of this plant, any suspicion of Mexican tea poisoning warrants an urgent visit to the veterinarian.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.