Cedar vs Mum Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Cedar
Cedrus spp.
Cedrus species, commonly known as true cedars, are coniferous evergreen trees characterized by their aromatic wood, needle-like leaves arranged in spirals on long shoots and in dense clusters on short shoots, and barrel-shaped cones. They are large trees, typically reaching heights of 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) or more in their native habitats. Cedars are primarily outdoor trees, valued for their majestic appearance and use in landscaping. They are not naturally indoor plants and struggle to thrive in the confined conditions of indoor environments. People grow them for ornamental purposes, timber production, and their cultural significance.
Mum
Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Chrysanthemum × morifolium, commonly known as mums, are popular flowering plants cultivated for their vibrant and diverse flower colors and forms. They are herbaceous perennials, typically grown as annuals in many climates due to their sensitivity to frost. Mums are characterized by their bushy growth habit and composite flower heads, which come in various shapes like daisy-like, pompon, and spider. While primarily outdoor plants, they are often brought indoors for short periods to enjoy their blooms, but they require specific conditions to thrive indoors long-term. People grow them for ornamental purposes, adding color to gardens and homes, and for cut flowers.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Cedar | Mum |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Outdoors: Once or twice a week during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. Indoors (not recommended): Extremely difficult to maintain proper moisture levels. | Every 2-3 days outdoors in warm weather; every 5-7 days indoors, depending on light and temperature. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-24°C | 15-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | Indoors: Highly unlikely to thrive; if attempted, a few feet at most. Outdoors: 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) or more. | 0.3-1 meter (indoors often smaller) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil | Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 1-2 hours per month (primarily for pruning and monitoring for pests/diseases) | 15-30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Cedar
| Scientific Name | Cedrus spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region and the Western Himalayas |
| Also Known As | Cedar, True Cedar |
| Leaves | The leaves of cedar trees are needle-like, typically 1-2 inches long, and arranged in spirals on long shoots and in dense clusters on short shoots. The color varies depending on the species, ranging from dark green to bluish-green. |
| Flowers | Cedar trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the fall. Male flowers are catkin-like and release pollen, while female flowers are small cones that develop into the characteristic barrel-shaped seed cones. |
Mum
| Scientific Name | Chrysanthemum × morifolium |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | China |
| Also Known As | Florist's Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum |
| Leaves | Leaves are typically lobed or toothed, medium green in color, and have a slightly hairy texture. Leaf size varies depending on the cultivar. |
| Flowers | Mums flower readily outdoors in the fall. Indoor flowering is possible with sufficient light and cool temperatures. Flowers come in a wide range of colors (white, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink) and forms (daisy-like, pompon, spider, etc.). |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Cedar
Mum
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Cedar
Methods: Seed, Cuttings (difficult)
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Seed propagation requires stratification. Cuttings are difficult and require rooting hormones and a controlled environment.
Mum
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Use rooting hormone and keep the cuttings in a humid environment. Division is best done in spring or fall.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Cedar
True cedars are distinguished by their barrel-shaped cones and needle-like leaves arranged in spirals on long shoots and in dense clusters on short shoots. Their aromatic wood is highly valued for its insect-repelling properties.
- ✓ Provides shade and shelter for wildlife
- ✓ Enhances property value and curb appeal
- ✓ Offers a sense of tranquility and connection to nature
- ✓ Aromatic wood provides a pleasant scent
- ✓ Long lifespan provides lasting beauty.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Mum
Chrysanthemums are known for their diverse flower shapes and colors, blooming in the fall when many other plants are fading. They are photoperiodic, meaning their flowering is triggered by shorter day lengths.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to gardens and homes
- ✓ Provides cut flowers for arrangements
- ✓ Can improve mood with its bright blooms
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden
- ✓ Offers a sense of accomplishment for successful cultivation
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Cedar
Mum
🌞 Light Requirements
Cedar
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Mum
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Cedar
Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause needle drop and stress.
Mum
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. Indoors, check soil moisture regularly as potted plants dry out faster. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves; overwatering shows as yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Cedar
Temperature: 10-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Mum
Temperature: 15-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Cedar
Cedrus spp.Landscapers and gardeners with outdoor space suitable for large trees.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have ample outdoor space for a large tree
- You appreciate the aromatic scent of cedarwood
- You want a majestic and long-lived tree in your landscape
- You need a windbreak or privacy screen
- You are experienced with tree care and maintenance.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in an apartment or have limited space
- You are looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant
- You have pets that may ingest the plant
- You live in a region with unsuitable climate for cedar trees.
Mum
Chrysanthemum × morifoliumGardeners looking to add vibrant fall color to their outdoor spaces, or those willing to provide very specific conditions for short-term indoor enjoyment.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want vibrant fall colors in your garden.
- You are looking for a plant with diverse flower forms and colors.
- You are willing to provide the specific light and temperature conditions required for indoor blooming.
- You enjoy the challenge of caring for a plant that requires attentive maintenance.
- You want a plant that can be used for cut flowers.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You cannot provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Cedar needs full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), while Mum prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Cedar has moderate growth, while Mum grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Cedar Care Tips
Cedars are primarily outdoor trees and are extremely challenging to grow indoors. They require full sun, well-draining soil, and proper humidity levels, which are difficult to replicate indoors. Indoor cultivation is generally not recommended.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Protect young trees from harsh winter winds and frost
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly
- Prune annually to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain shape.
Mum Care Tips
Mums are primarily outdoor plants and require significant sunlight to thrive. Indoor care is challenging due to the need for bright light and cool temperatures. They are often treated as annuals indoors. Maintaining proper watering and humidity is crucial to prevent problems.
- Pinch back stems regularly until mid-summer to encourage bushier growth.
- Provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Cedar
Mum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Cedar
What are the light requirements for Cedar?
Indoor cedars thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them near an east- or west-facing window is usually ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can burn the delicate needles. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and yellowing foliage. If you don’t have access to sufficient natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Rotate your cedar regularly to ensure all sides receive adequate light. During the winter months, when sunlight is less intense, you may need to move your cedar closer to a window or increase the amount of supplemental light. Pay close attention to the plant’s growth and adjust its position accordingly.
How do I care for Cedar?
Indoor cedar trees require bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for conifers or evergreens. Maintain moderate humidity, especially during dry winter months. Fertilize sparingly, only during the growing season (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or yellowing foliage. Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, into a slightly larger pot. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for pests such as spider mites or scale and treat promptly. Provide stable temperatures, avoiding drastic fluctuations. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides.
How do I propagate Cedar?
Cedar can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or early summer. Remove the lower needles and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and humid. Rooting can take several weeks to months. For air layering, make a small incision in a branch, apply rooting hormone, and wrap the incision with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Once roots have formed, cut the branch below the roots and pot it up. Both methods require patience and careful monitoring. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity for successful propagation. Choose healthy, vigorous branches for the best results.
Mum
What are the light requirements for Mum?
Mums thrive in bright, indirect light. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the harshness of direct sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
How do I care for Mum?
To care for your Mum, provide bright, indirect light, ideally near an east- or west-facing window. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, reducing frequency in the fall.
How do I propagate Mum?
Mums can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or occasionally from keiki.
Last updated: April 26, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.