SPECIES GUIDE : BREYNIA DISTICHA

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Scientific name: Breynia disticha
Common Names:
[EN] Snowbush, Hawaiian Snow Bush, Foliage Flower, Rosy Snow Bush, Snow On The Mountain.
[FR] Buisson des neiges

Overview
Native of the southern Pacific islands.

Location
Outdoor

Position
Full sun to partial sun.
The leaves coloration changes depending on the amount of sunlight the plant receives.

Water requirements
Keep the soil moist to keep this plant happy. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Repotting and root pruning
Repot every 6~24 months, depending on growth. Wait for signs of new shoots, but do not allow the new shoots to develop too much before repotting.
Keep root pruning to a minimum, the leaves will wilt if there is inadequate moisture in the substrate.
After repotting or root pruning place in partial shade and keep the substrate moist, mist the leaves daily.

Pruning
New leaves seems give priority to bud on eyes on the branches or trunk.
It can bud on old wood but seems to do so with some difficulty.

A piece of breynia from a cutting that was left in moist soil.
Still in training. 

Propagation
I've managed to make it root on hard wood and soft wood.
Keep in a moist environment.

Insects and Diseases
Generally healthy plant. Caterpillars and mites.

Training:

Wiring should be done on young branches while they are still flexible, and can be bend at odd/extreme angles.

Before wiring

After wiring

Particular Difficulties:
+ Easily creates bulges or reverse taper - the tree often sprouts several branches on the same node when sprouting from the trunk.

Several Branches coming out of  one eye

If left unchecked that can create some severe bulges on the trunk and ultimately can become a reverse taper.

Bulging on the trunk later-on

+ Root pruning should be done with care. The leaves wilt, drop off and/or die after root pruning if the foilage is not misted daily and the substrate kept regularly moist.

Wilted leaves after root pruning