PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial shade with dappled morning sunlight; avoid harsh midday direct sun which can scorch leaves
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C for winter dormancy; thrives in cool temperate conditions, avoid prolonged heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of deeply lobed, glossy green leaves with serrated margins
- Flower: Tiny clustered florets surrounded by papery pale pink or white bracts forming a pincushion shape
- Stem: Slender, upright green stems with sparse stem leaves
Care Guide
Watering
Keep top 2 cm of soil moist; apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce evaporation
Fertilization
Diluted organic feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flower production over foliage growth
Banana peel compost tea：Fully compost banana peels, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20, and apply as a root drench to support bloomingPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
- Cut back all stems to ground level after foliage dies back in late autumn
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut flower for small bouquets
