Stonebreaker (Phyllanthus amarus)

Stonebreaker

Phyllanthus amarus

It carries delicate tiny blooms and medicinal quietude. Annual herbaceous plant; common names: stonebreaker, gale of the wind.

Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates low indoor light but produces more blooms in bright indirect conditions
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates low indoor light but produces more blooms in bright indirect conditions
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Watering Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1 cm of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm tropical to temperate conditions; avoid exposure to temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small oblong alternate leaves arranged in flattened, branch-like clusters along stems
  • Flower: Tiny greenish-yellow axillary blooms, with male and female flowers on the same plant
  • Stem: Slender, green, branching densely from the base
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted organic feed every 2 weeks. Use balanced, low-strength organic feed to support foliage and flower production

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:25 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier, denser growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health
  • Trim spent flower stems to redirect energy to new foliage and blooms
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No reported toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; used in traditional medicinal practices

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Traditional medicinal uses for urinary tract and liver support; low-growing ornamental ground cover