Chanca Piedra
phyllanthus niruri
Also known as: ["Stonebreaker","Bai Tong","Quebra Pedra"]
Overview
A small annual herbaceous plant known for its traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for treating kidney stones.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus: | Phyllanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Phyllanthus niruri |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in tropical or subtropical regions, or as a container plant in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, rarely required in humid environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; move outdoors in spring/summer for optimal light.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage; avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm conditions (20–30°C); can tolerate mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extremes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a humidifier in dry, warm conditions; monitor temperature changes closely.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil; division of clumps is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, and wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water; perlite or sand can improve drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder or gel is recommended for faster establishment.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil or water container.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier, healthier plants; shape as needed for aesthetic purposes.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, avoid over-pruning, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wet leaves, adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; increase frequency in hot, dry seasons; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves in response to sudden temperature changes.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and reduce watering during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid over-fertilizing, stop in dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest Phyllanthus niruri. The plant is not considered highly toxic to felines but should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Phyllanthus niruri by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to its bioactive compounds. While not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent pets from consuming the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPhyllanthus niruri contains bioactive compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. It is generally considered safe for traditional medicinal use but may pose risks if ingested excessively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phyllanthus niruri safe for humans?
A: Yes, it is generally considered non-toxic and is used in traditional medicine.
Q: Can Phyllanthus niruri be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown in containers with adequate sunlight.
Q: What are the main uses of Phyllanthus niruri?
A: It is traditionally used for treating kidney stones and other urinary tract issues.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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