PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of direct midday sun in temperate regions
Watering
Water when the top 1 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates light frost (down to 5°C); thrives in mild temperate temperatures between 15–25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, linear to spatulate, smooth-edged, pale green to medium green
- Flower: Tiny white 4-petaled blooms, clustered in leaf axils
- Stem: Slender, branching near the base, smooth texture
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently slightly moist during active growth
Fertilization
Apply diluted organic feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Composted coffee grounds tea：Brew fully composted coffee grounds in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20, and apply as a root drench to avoid leaf burnPruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed gardens
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant appearance and airflow
- Thin overcrowded seedlings to improve light penetration and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects reported
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and consumption in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden accent, ground cover for sunny edges, pollinator support for small bees
