Breynia disticha, the Snow Bush, is a delicate ornamental shrub prized for its airy, zigzag branches densely set with small, rounded leaves mottled in white, pink and green that give a snow-dusted look. Native to Pacific islands and grown widely in India, it makes a soft, colourful hedge, border or container plant that lightens shaded and partly sunny spots. The young growth is especially pink-tinged, and regular trimming keeps it bushy and vivid. Easy and fast-growing in warm climates, it adds graceful, variegated texture to gardens and balconies with minimal fuss.
Specifications
| Family |
Phyllanthaceae |
| Native region |
Pacific Islands; grown across India |
| Mature height |
1-2 m |
| Mature spread |
1-1.5 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Small mottled white-pink-green leaves on zigzag stems |
| Flower colour |
Tiny greenish (insignificant) |
| Flower season |
Warm months |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright light to part sun; some sun deepens pink tones |
| Watering |
Keep evenly moist; avoid prolonged dryness |
| Soil / mix |
Fertile, well-drained garden soil or potting mix |
| Temperature |
18-35 C; frost-sensitive |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed every 4-6 weeks in growing season |
| Pruning |
Trim regularly for bushy, colourful new growth |
| Repotting |
Pot-up yearly in containers as it grows fast |
| Propagation |
Softwood stem cuttings root in warm humidity |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, mites and whitefly |
| Toxicity / safety |
Considered mildly toxic if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Grown as a colourful low hedge, border or container shrub to brighten gardens and balconies. Valued for variegated, snow-dusted foliage.
Growing tips
In India keep the soil evenly moist and give it bright light with some morning sun for the pinkest new growth; trim lightly and often to keep it dense and well-coloured.