Phyllanthaceae
Stonebreaker: Full Sun Plant
Phyllanthus amarus
An easy-to-grow plant requiring bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Prefers well-draining, sandy-loamy soil. Allow soil to dry almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation in tropical and subtropical zones (USDA 10-13).
Every 8 days
Direct sun
20° - 35°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Stonebreaker?
Stonebreaker (Phyllanthus amarus) is a easy-care plant from the Phyllanthaceae family. A small annual tropical herb that grows rapidly to 30-60 cm in height. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Americas, India, and Southeast Asia. Characterized by alternately arranged small elliptic-oblong leaves (5-10mm), tiny greenish-yellow flowers, and small seeds. The plant is d...
Stonebreaker grows up to 60cm, watering every 8 days, 20°C – 35°C, 40–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Stonebreaker tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Stonebreaker is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 16 days.
How to Care for Stonebreaker?
TLDR: Stonebreaker needs Direct sun, watering every 8 days, and temperatures between 20-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Stonebreaker?
Water when soil is almost completely dry. The plant tolerates drought and prefers drier conditions overall. Avoid waterlogging and overwatering.
How Much Light Does Stonebreaker Need?
Requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily for optimal growth. Position within 1 meter of a sunny window.
What Is the Best Soil for Stonebreaker?
Use well-draining, sandy-loam soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Soil should not be overly nutrient-rich.
What Pot Should You Use for Stonebreaker?
Container with adequate drainage holes, minimum 15cm diameter for young plants.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 45 days
Misting
Every 10 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Stonebreaker and Where Does It Come From?
A small annual tropical herb that grows rapidly to 30-60 cm in height. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Americas, India, and Southeast Asia. Characterized by alternately arranged small elliptic-oblong leaves (5-10mm), tiny greenish-yellow flowers, and small seeds. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in warm, humid climates. Reaches maturity in 2-3 months.
How Big Does Stonebreaker Grow?
TLDR: Stonebreaker can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Kidney stone dissolution (nephrolithiasis)
- Hepatoprotective (liver protection)
- Diuretic properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral activity
- Antimicrobial properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Stonebreaker?
TLDR: Stonebreaker is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiency occurs when a plant cannot access one or more essential mineral elements in sufficient quantities for healthy growth. Plants require 17 essential nutrients: macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, B, Mo, Cl). Each plays a unique role in metabolism, structure, and reproduction. Deficiencies arise from depleted soils, incorrect pH blocking uptake, poor watering practices leaching nutrients, root damage, or imbalanced fertilization. Understanding whether a nutrient is mobile or immobile determines where symptoms first appear: mobile nutrients (N, P, K, Mg) show symptoms on older leaves first, while immobile nutrients (Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, B) show symptoms on new growth first.
Meaning & Symbolism
Traditionally revered as a "stone breaker" for its purported ability to dissolve kidney stones in folk medicine.
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 | ✓ |