Plant Care Guide

Snow on the Mountain
(Snow Bush)

Breynia disticha

Snow Bush, often called Snow on the Mountain, is a tropical favorite loved for its ethereal red, pink, white, and green foliage. Its mottled leaves give the illusion of blossoms, and on mature plants, small round red fruits may appear. Despite its wintery name, Snow Bush is a warm-weather plant through and through; thriving in heat, humidity, and bright light. Fast growing and airy in structure, it’s beautiful as a landscape shrub in warm climates or as an indoor tropical accent in cooler regions.

Watering Requirements

Snow Bush enjoys consistent moisture and does not like to dry out completely. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Water every 1–3 days, depending on climate and container size 
  • Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy 
  • Never allow soil to fully dry out 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Wilting 
  • Dropping leaves 
  • Crisp or curling edges 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Yellowing foliage starting from the bottom 
  • Mushy stems 
  • Sour-smelling soil 

Pro Tips

Snow Bush is both a heavy feeder and a heavy drinker. If you water often but still see drooping, increase humidity. This plant thrives in moisture-rich air.

Light Requirements

This plant loves abundant light and rewards it with vibrant coloration. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Full sun to partial sun outdoors 
  • Bright, unfiltered light indoors (south or west window preferred) 
  • More light = brighter variegation 

Too Little Light 

  • Leaves turn mostly green 
  • Leggy, stretched stems 
  • Sparse foliage 

Pro Tips

If your Snow Bush begins reverting to green, don’t panic, simply increase light. Variegation comes back quickly with sun.

Soil & Potting

Snow Bush tolerates a variety of soils but thrives in light, fertile, well-draining mixes. 

Best Soil Conditions 

  • Moist, well-drained soil 
  • Slightly acidic to neutral 
  • Amended with compost or peat-based potting mix 

Potting Notes 

  • Works well in containers but grows fuller in-ground 
  • Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot

Pro Tips

Add a thin layer of organic mulch around the base outdoors. This locks in moisture and supports the plant’s fast growth.

Fertilizing

Snow Bush grows quickly and appreciates regular feeding. 

Feeding Schedule 

  • Fertilize monthly in spring and summer 
  • Use a balanced or foliage-forward fertilizer 
  • Reduce feeding in fall, none in winter 

Signs It Needs Nutrients 

  • Washed-out foliage 
  • Reduced variegation 
  • Pale or stunted new growth 

Pro Tips

If foliage becomes too green after fertilizing, reduce nitrogen; it can mute variegation.

Pruning & Maintenance

Snow Bush grows fast and can become leggy without pruning. 

Pruning Tips 

  • Prune during winter or early spring 
  • Pinch tips of young plants to encourage bushiness 
  • Trim lightly through the year to control shape 
  • Remove suckers if you prefer a neat, single-clump habit 

Benefits of Pruning 

  • Fuller, denser structure 
  • Stronger color on new growth 
  • Better airflow 

Pro Tips

Don’t be afraid to cut back hard. Snow Bush rebounds quickly and looks its best with regular shaping.

Common Problems & Solutions

Leaf Drop 

Cause: Cold temperatures, low humidity, or underwatering 

Fix: Move to warmer spot; increase humidity; water consistently 

Loss of Variegation 

Cause: Too little light 

Fix: Increase sunlight or move closer to a bright window 

Pests (common indoors) 

  • Spider mites 
  • Whiteflies 
  • Aphids 
  • Mealybugs 

Fix: Increase humidity + apply insecticidal soap or neem oil 

Root Rot 

Cause: Poor drainage or overwatering 

Fix: Repot into well-draining soil; reduce watering frequency 

Pro Tips

Most Snow Bush issues come down to light + moisture + warmth. Fix these three, and the plant rebounds quickly.