PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of coastal salt spray and reflected sunlight
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is completely dry, avoid standing water
Temperature
Tolerates mild short-term frost down to 10°C; thrives in warm coastal climates, avoid prolonged temperatures below 5°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Fleshy linear to oblong leaves, bright to reddish-green, adapted for water and salt storage
- Flower: Small star-shaped blooms with 5 white to pale pink petals, opening in morning sunlight
- Stem: Prostrate trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense groundcover mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; allow top layer to dry between waterings
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen, potassium-rich feed to support succulent foliage health
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried, sterilized eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant every 3 months, avoiding direct contact with stems to prevent rotPruning
- Trim overgrown trailing stems in early spring to maintain a compact mat form
- Remove dead or yellowing foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Pinch stem tips to encourage bushier, denser growth
- Thin overly dense mats to prevent moisture buildup and fungal growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats with no reported adverse effects
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; young leaves are edible when cooked or raw in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Coastal erosion control, edible young leaves, ornamental groundcover for coastal landscapes
