Asthma plant (Euphorbia hirta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Asthma plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Asthma plant
Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as runa or garden spurge, is a small annual or perennial herb belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, characterized by its prostrate or ascending habit and opposite leaves, often tinged with red. It produces small axillary cymes. While considered a weed in many tropical and subtropical regions, it is valued in traditional medicine for its properties.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical regions of America
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, preferring well-drained ones. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it tolerates drought quite well. It does not require regular fertilization, and a common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Asthma plant
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, soft and blackened stems. It might look a bit 'deflated'.
- First aid
- Check drainage and moisture. If waterlogged, remove plant, discard wet soil, and repot in dry substrate. If very dry, water lightly.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its main enemy. Lack of light or extreme cold also weaken it quickly.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's quite resilient. If you act quickly when waterlogged, there's a good chance of recovery.