Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Breynia disticha or Snowbush

The genus Breynia, family Phyllanthaceae, comprises 35 species of shrubs native to Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Some species are: Breynia disticha, Breynia turbinata, Breynia oblongifolia.

Common name: Snowbush. This species is native to New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

They are shrubs with thin red stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The interesting oval-shaped leaves are pink when the plant is young and turn cream or light green in adult specimens. The flowers (red or green) are not interesting ornamentally as they are very small and do not have petals.

They are used in bushy groups or as isolated specimens. Breynia turbinata is used as a houseplant; reaches 60 cm (23.6") in height.

Breynia disticha needs a light exposure but without direct sun and average temperatures of 18-20 ºC/64-68 ºF (neither too hot nor cold). The humidity must be high.

They prefer a soil with garden substrate mixed with coarse sand and peat. Transplantation or planting is done in spring or summer.

Water frequently to keep the soil moist (never water).

Fertilize indoor species every 15 days in summer with mineral fertilizer and outdoor species with organic fertilizer in autumn; they also appreciate monthly fertilizer with mineral fertilizer during the summer.

Prune in early spring to give the plant shape and vigor.

They can be attacked by aphids and mites if the humidity is low or they suffer from drought.

They propagate by stem or root cuttings in summer or by division in spring.

Images of the shrub Breynia disticha or Snowbush