PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial to full sun; tolerates light shade, but produces more blooms in well-lit open areas
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C, suitable for cool to warm temperate climates; protect from prolonged extreme heat above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with smooth margins, matte green upper surface and paler underside.
- Flower: Clusters of small, star-shaped white blooms with five petals, producing a subtle sweet fragrance in warm temperatures.
- Stem: Slender, green to reddish-brown trailing or climbing stems that exude milky white sap when broken.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase watering frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can reduce flower production
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days, dilute the mixture 1:20 with tap water, and apply directly to soil; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestations and odorPruning
- Cut back dead or damaged stems to ground level in early spring to stimulate new growth
- Remove mature seed pods before they burst to prevent unwanted self-seeding, especially in regions where it is considered invasive
- Thin overcrowded stems mid-season to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal infections
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to cardiac glycosides; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, weakness, and potential fatal cardiac arrest
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cardiac arrhythmias in large doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
