PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate dappled sunlight to avoid leaf scorch in hot summer afternoons
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; allow top 1 cm of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost but will go dormant in temperatures below 5°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate heart-shaped leaflets, green to bronze, fold inward at night
- Flower: Pale pink to white five-petaled blooms, open only in full sun
- Stem: Slender, branching, slightly hairy stems
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; water when top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize flower production over leaf growth
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water before applying as a root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim back yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain a tidy clumping habit
- Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn to prepare the plant for winter dormancy
- Remove any overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; oxalate crystals cause oral pain, hypersalivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion of large quantities causes mild oral irritation; sensitive individuals may experience skin rash on contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover for rock gardens; leaves have a tart, citrus-like flavor and can be eaten in small quantities
