PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light shade in hot summer climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates light frost; thrives in 15–25°C; protect from hard freezes below -2°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped leaves with serrated margins; soft, fuzzy texture
- Flower: Small pale pink or white five-petaled flowers in axillary clusters
- Stem: Erect, branched stems with fine pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Feed with diluted organic fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn as growth slows
Banana peel tea：Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 before applying as a root drench to support leaf growthPruning
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier, more productive growth
- Remove spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding in garden beds
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to promote new foliage growth and extend harvest period
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects reported
Humans: Non-toxic; leaves are commonly consumed as edible greens
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible leaves for salads, stir-fries, and soups; ornamental border plant in cottage gardens
