floating spurge

Floating spurge should be watered lightly, approximately once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Be sure to use lukewarm water, as this plant can be sensitive to cold. Avoid over-watering, as this can weaken the plant and reduce its ornamental appeal. During periods of warm, sunny weather, you may need to water a bit more frequently. In cooler weather, reduce your watering but keep the soil lightly moist.

Floating spurge (Phyllanthus fluitans) is a tropical aquatic plant that thrives best in warm and sunny conditions. It prefers direct exposure to the sun and requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Floating spurge is suitable for outdoor ponds in USDA zones 10 and 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct, unfiltered sunlight is essential for optimal growth. Too much shade or filtered sunlight will result in weaker, leggy plants with fewer flowers.

Floating spurge typically requires only minimal pruning. It is recommended to start pruning in late winter before new growth begins. This will help shape the plant and encourage the growth of new stems. Prune off any dead or damaged stems, as well as any lateral stems (those off the main stem) that are excessively long or growing too close together. Pruning should be done regularly throughout the season, taking only a few stems away at a time to encourage branching and dense foliage. Ideally, you should stop pruning about a month before the first frost.