PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense heat and prolonged dry periods
Watering
Water deeply only when top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm, hot temperatures; cannot survive frost or prolonged exposure below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Flat, linear blades 2–15 cm long, smooth margins, light green
- Flower: Spikes arranged in finger-like clusters (2–6 per stem), small greenish florets
- Stem: Prostrate or ascending, branching at base to form dense mats
Care Guide
Watering
Water occasionally during extended dry spells; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Optional diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive, weak growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed eggshells around the base; work lightly into topsoil to improve soil structure and add calciumPruning
- Trim back overgrown mats to maintain a tidy appearance in garden settings
- Pull up unwanted plants before seed set to control spread as a weed
- Remove dead foliage to reduce habitat for small pests
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ground cover for erosion control; occasional forage for livestock
