Asteraceae
Singapore daisy: Ground Cover Plant
Sphagneticola trilobata
A low-maintenance plant, extremely hardy and very fast-growing. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, tolerates poor soils, and can withstand both drought and occasional waterlogging. Due to its invasive nature, it requires frequent pruning to control its expansion.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
15° - 35°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Singapore daisy?
Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Sphagneticola trilobata, commonly known as Singapore daisy, creeping oxeye, or wedelia, is a perennial groundcover herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It forms creeping stems up to 2 meters long that root at every node, featuring fleshy trilobed leave...
Singapore daisy grows up to 30cm, spread of 200cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 35°C, 60–90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Singapore daisy tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Singapore daisy?
TLDR: Singapore daisy needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Singapore daisy?
Water regularly, allowing the surface of the substrate to dry between waterings; once established, it tolerates both periods of drought and excess water well.
How Much Light Does Singapore daisy Need?
It develops best in full sun, where it blooms more abundantly, although it also tolerates partial shade without major issues.
What Is the Best Soil for Singapore daisy?
It is not demanding: it grows in almost any type of soil, even poor or sandy ones, as long as it has good drainage; it appreciates an annual application of organic matter.
What Pot Should You Use for Singapore daisy?
As it is an invasive plant, it is recommended to grow it in hanging baskets or closed planters without contact with the ground to prevent its creeping stems from rooting and spreading out of control.
What Is Singapore daisy and Where Does It Come From?
Sphagneticola trilobata, commonly known as Singapore daisy, creeping oxeye, or wedelia, is a perennial groundcover herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It forms creeping stems up to 2 meters long that root at every node, featuring fleshy trilobed leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers that can bloom year-round in warm climates. Due to its immense vigor and ease of propagation, it has naturalized as an invasive weed in numerous tropical and subtropical regions worldwide—it is listed among the 100 world's worst invasive alien species by the IUCN—where it forms dense mats that displace native vegetation. It is recommended to grow it with caution, ideally in containers or controlled areas.
How to Propagate Singapore daisy?
Stem cuttings
- It is one of the easiest plants to propagate in existence: almost any fragment with a node can generate a new plant.
- 1 Stem cutting
Cut a 10-15 cm stem fragment that includes at least two nodes.
- 2 Planting
Bury the lower node in moist substrate or place it directly on moist soil; the plant roots spontaneously at any node that touches the ground.
- 3 Establishment
Keep the substrate moist until new growth is observed, generally in 1-2 weeks.
Materials needed:
Division
- It can be performed at any time of the year thanks to the hardiness of the species.
- 1 Extraction
Separate a rooted section from the mother plant, ensuring roots are preserved.
- 2 Transplanting
Plant the section directly in its final location and water thoroughly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Singapore daisy Grow?
TLDR: Singapore daisy can reach up to 30cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Relief of menstrual pain (traditional Caribbean use)
- Traditional treatment of bronchitis as an expectorant
- Traditional use against vomiting
- Topical anti-inflammatory properties
- Wound healing
- Popular use as an aid in diabetes due to its reported hypoglycemic effect
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age; do not use for prolonged periods without medical supervision
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Singapore daisy?
TLDR: Singapore daisy is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Meaning & Symbolism
Due to its amazing ability to colonize difficult terrain and regenerate from any stem fragment, it is symbolically associated with resilience and overflowing vitality, although its invasive character also makes it a symbol of uncontrolled expansion.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Wedelia Trilobata Plant Care: Grow Sphagneticola Groundcover
- Sphagneticola trilobata o Margarita rastrera | Cuidados
- Sphagneticola trilobata - Wikipedia
- Sphagneticola trilobata - TRAMIL
- Wedelia trilobata Toxicity - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Sphagneticola trilobata - UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Archive
