PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full direct sunlight daily; tolerates intense reflected heat and prolonged dry periods
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; allow the top 15–20 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm arid conditions; avoid temperatures below 10°C as it will cause leaf drop and potential dieback
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, leathery oval leaves with a pale gray-green waxy coating; 10–20 cm long
- Flower: Clusters of star-shaped creamy white to pale lavender blooms with purple centers; strong sweet fragrance
- Stem: Succulent gray-green stems that exude toxic milky latex when cut or damaged
Care Guide
Watering
Water every 7–10 days; reduce frequency during extreme heatwaves to prevent stress
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote blooming rather than foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the plant to boost soil calcium and improve drainage; avoid direct contact with stemsPruning
- Wear protective gloves to avoid latex exposure while pruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or overgrown branches in early spring to maintain shape and improve airflow
- Trim spent flower clusters to encourage new bloom production
- Cut back leggy stems to promote dense, compact growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, weakness, and potential cardiac failure
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides and toxic latex; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias; latex irritates skin and eyes
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; traditional medicinal uses with extreme caution due to toxicity
