PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates drought and nutrient-poor soil conditions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; highly drought-tolerant and resistant to waterlogging
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; can tolerate light frost down to 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate with smooth margins; dull green with hairy undersides
- Flower: Small, greenish-white, clustered in dense axillary spikes; lacks showy petals
- Stem: Erect, angular, covered in short stiff hairs; lower stems may become woody with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid overwatering
Fertilization
Diluted organic feed once every 2 months. Minimal fertilization needed; avoid high-nitrogen feeds to prevent leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without burning delicate rootsPruning
- Trim back spent flower spikes to encourage new vegetative growth
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
- Cut back stems to 10–15 cm in late winter to promote bushier growth in spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No recorded toxicity to cats
Humans: Excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation; used in regulated doses in traditional medicine
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties
Usage: Medicinal herb, ornamental wildflower, roadside soil stabilizer
