PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of compacted, low-fertility soils
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells to avoid overwatering
Temperature
Tolerates cool spring temperatures and hot summer heat; mature plants are killed by frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to oblong leaves with a purple spot near the base, arranged oppositely along stems
- Flower: Tiny greenish-yellow cyathia (false flowers) in leaf axils, lacking true petals
- Stem: Prostrate, reddish stems that exude milky, irritating sap when broken
Care Guide
Watering
Water only when top 5 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required; tolerates low nutrient soils. Avoid fertilization to prevent excessive spreading
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peel tea diluted 1:20; apply sparingly to avoid promoting aggressive growthPruning
- Pull or hoe plants before seed set to prevent widespread self-seeding
- Remove dead foliage in autumn to reduce overwintering seed banks
- Trim spreading stems to contain growth in managed garden beds
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; sap causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested or contacted
Humans: Milky sap causes mild skin and eye irritation; ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
