PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade preferred; tolerates compacted, low-nutrient soils in sunny locations
Watering
Highly drought-tolerant; water only when the top 2 cm of soil is completely dry to avoid overwatering
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperate to hot conditions; sensitive to frost and will die back below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small oval opposite leaves with a distinct reddish spot near the base; smooth, narrow margins
- Flower: Tiny greenish-yellow cyathia (Euphorbia-specific inflorescences) clustered in leaf axils
- Stem: Low, branching prostrate stems that exude milky white sap when broken
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly only during extended dry spells
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required. Over-fertilization can encourage excessive, weak growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; dust lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without overfeedingPruning
- Pull or trim excess growth to control spread in garden beds or lawns
- Remove spent stems after flowering to reduce self-seeding
- Thin dense mats to improve airflow and minimize disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-listed toxic; milky sap causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested
Humans: Milky sap causes mild skin irritation, redness, and blistering; oral ingestion leads to nausea and oral pain
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover for rock gardens; often considered a lawn weed in cultivated areas
