PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to light shade; avoid intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch and stress
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1 cm of soil to dry between waterings
Temperature
Thrives in temperate conditions; avoid frost and extreme heat above 28°C to prevent wilting
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, simple lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, medium green color
- Flower: Small, inconspicuous greenish unisexual flowers, clustered in axillary spikes
- Stem: Slender, branching green stems with smooth texture
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain even soil moisture; water when the top 1 cm of substrate dries out
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface; mix lightly into the top 1 cm to boost soil structure and improve nutrient availabilityPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to prevent unwanted self-seeding in garden beds
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal disease
- Cut back the entire plant to ground level after flowering to clear beds for subsequent plantings
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
Humans: Contains mercurial alkaloids; ingestion causes gastrointestinal irritation and systemic discomfort
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
