Euphorbiaceae
Asthma-plant: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Euphorbia hirta
An extremely resilient plant that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal intervention but should be handled with gloves to avoid skin irritation from its sap.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
15° - 40°C
40% - 85%
Categories
What is Asthma-plant?
Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a easy-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as the Asthma-plant, is a pantropical annual herb. It is characterized by its hairy, reddish stems and opposite, elliptical leaves with serrated edges. The plant contains a milky white latex that is typical of the Euphorbia genus. It is widely known for its presence i...
Asthma-plant grows up to 50cm, with spread of 30cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C â 40°C, 40â85% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular moisture.
Lighting
This plant thrives in full sun. If kept indoors, place it on a south-facing windowsill to ensure it receives enough light to prevent leggy growth.
Ideal Soil
Use a mix of regular potting soil with added perlite or coarse sand to ensure the roots never sit in standing water.
Recommended Pot
A porous terracotta pot is ideal to ensure the soil dries out effectively between waterings.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Asthma-plant
Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as the Asthma-plant, is a pantropical annual herb. It is characterized by its hairy, reddish stems and opposite, elliptical leaves with serrated edges. The plant contains a milky white latex that is typical of the Euphorbia genus. It is widely known for its presence in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, though it is often considered a weed in agricultural settings.
How to Propagate
Seed Sowing
- Seeds germinate best in temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
- Do not cover seeds deeply as they may require some light to germinate.
- 1 Collect Seeds
Harvest the small, dried capsules from the plant once they turn brown.
- 2 Sow Seeds
Scatter seeds on the surface of moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- 3 Maintain Moisture
Keep the soil consistently moist and place in a warm, bright location until germination occurs.
Materials needed:
Stem Cuttings
- Wear gloves to protect your skin from the irritating latex sap.
- Avoid overwatering the cutting to prevent rot.
- 1 Take Cutting
Cut a 10cm healthy stem tip using sterilized shears.
- 2 Callous the Cut
Allow the cutting to sit in a dry area for 24 hours so the milky sap can dry and form a callous.
- 3 Plant
Insert the calloused end into a mix of sand and peat, keeping it slightly moist.
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
50cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Treatment of asthma and bronchitis
- Management of diarrhea and dysentery
- Topical treatment for minor wounds and skin irritations
- Used in traditional medicine to increase breast milk production
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In various cultures, it is seen as a symbol of survival and healing due to its ability to grow in cracked pavement and its medicinal history.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | â ïļ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | â ïļ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | â ïļ |
