PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full to partial sun; tolerates sparse shade in disturbed urban or garden areas
Watering
Water moderately, allowing the top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light spring frost but dies back in hard winter freezes
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to obovate pale green leaves arranged in opposite pairs along slender stems
- Flower: Tiny green cyathia (false flowers) clustered at stem tips; no true petals or showy blooms
- Stem: Branching, smooth, exudes milky white latex sap when broken or damaged
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Optional diluted feed once monthly for potted plants. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive, weak stem growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Sprinkle finely crushed, dried eggshells around the base of potted plants; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent fungal growthPruning
- Deadhead spent cyathia to limit self-seeding if growing as a controlled garden plant
- Trim overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Remove entire plants after flowering to prevent unwanted spread in garden beds
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and pawing at the mouth
Humans: Milky sap causes skin redness, blistering, and eye irritation on contact; ingestion leads to mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Traditional medicinal use for treating warts; considered an invasive weed in some agricultural regions
