PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to full sun; tolerates shaded riparian areas but produces fewer flowers in low light
Watering
Keep substrate or growing medium consistently moist; thrives in 5–15 cm of shallow standing water
Temperature
Best grown in 18–30°C; foliage may die back below 10°C but roots can survive mild frosts in protected areas
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, elliptical to lanceolate, glossy green, 2–7 cm long with smooth margins
- Flower: Small white papery bracts forming dense spherical heads at leaf axils
- Stem: Succulent hollow stems that root at nodes when in contact with moist soil or water
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level or saturated soil
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn as growth slows
Eggshell powder topdress：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, dried eggshell powder on soil surface; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent rot and pest attractionPruning
- Trim overgrown trailing stems to control spread and maintain desired shape
- Remove dead or yellowing foliage to prevent decay in aquatic growing conditions
- Thin dense mats of growth to improve water circulation and reduce invasive spread risks
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; safe for incidental contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Aquatic ornamental; sometimes used for bank erosion control (note: classified as a highly invasive species in many non-native regions)
