PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; thrives in boggy or seepage conditions, tolerates shallow standing water
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; prefers cool to temperate growing conditions, avoid extreme heat above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, oval to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, bright green and slightly succulent
- Flower: Tubular yellow blooms with reddish-brown spots on lower lip, 2–4 cm wide
- Stem: Succulent, branching green stems that root at nodes in moist soil
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain constant soil moisture; add water when top 1 cm feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy, floppy growth
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to promote bushier, compact growth
- Cut back to basal growth in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental for bog gardens, rain gardens, and native plant landscapes; attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds
