PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes maximum flowering
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; thrives in boggy or shallow standing water conditions
Temperature
Prefers warm temperate to tropical temperatures; tolerates short periods of light frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lanceolate, opposite, decurrent bases wrapping tightly around stems
- Flower: Bright yellow, 4-petaled cup-shaped blooms with prominent stamens
- Stem: Erect, angular green stems with visible decurrent leaf attachments
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture or 5–10 cm of shallow standing water
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Banana peel tea：Steep 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1 liter of water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Trim back spent flower heads to encourage extended blooming through autumn
- Cut back dead or damaged stems to ground level in late winter to promote vigorous new spring growth
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce risk of fungal disease
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wetland plant; erosion control in riparian zones; pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies
