Euphorbia lactea in pot
Euphorbia lactea leaves
Crystalline form of Euphorbia lactea
Stem end of Euphorbia lactea cristata
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Euphorbia lactea, milky spurge
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
With its candelabra cactus silhouette, Euphorbia lactea could be the setting for a spaghetti western. But you're more likely to spot it in a Bollywood romantic comedy than in a Sergio Leone film. The plant, which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, is native to India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
How to recognize milky spurge, Euphorbia lactea?
Euphorbia lactea is a shrubby succulent plant. In the wild, it grows to a height of three to six meters.
The main stem is a three- or four-sided column. The branches, also fleshy, have three or four sides. In the botanical variety, the trunk and branches are light green with cream or yellow mottling. But some cultivars, such as euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost, are completely white.
The different varieties are all adorned with thorns. White, yellow, red or green, curved or narrow, they rise from the crest of the stems.
Can't decide whether your Euphorbia is Euphorbia lactea or Euphorbia trigona? Look at the leaf blades. Both species have deciduous, teardrop-shaped leaves. But those of the milky Euphorbia are much smaller. They are no more than a centimetre long.
While the appearance of foliage is common, flowering is very rare. In the wild, yellow flowers may appear at the top of the stems.
Euphorbia lactea owes its name to the milk-white sap that flows from its branches when cut. But don't you dare taste it. It's latex, a toxic substance that irritates the skin and mucous membranes.
Our maintenance tips
Euphorbia lactea is an easy-care plant. But, contrary to appearances, it's not a cactus. It needs regular watering and a little fertilizer to thrive.
But be careful! The plant contains latex, which is irritating to the skin, and is adorned with thorns. Remember to wear gloves when handling it.
Watering
Euphorbia lactea live in desert regions. They tolerate drought, but dread excess water. The substrate must remain completely dry for a few days between waterings.
When watering, use water at room temperature to avoid stressing the plant.
Roots run deep. You therefore need to moisten the entire root ball. Pour in water until the excess runs out through the drainage hole. Stop watering and empty any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.
Spray
Euphorbia lactea grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Euphorbia lactea to give it more space.
Euphorbia lactea need good drainage. Re-pot when its shoots completely occupy the pot, when the substrate no longer absorbs water or when the roots escape from the pot.
Choose a pierced terracotta pot. This material allows the potting compost to dry out evenly, even at depth.
Remove any dried leaves and remove all the previous potting mix.
At the bottom of the pot, place a drainage layer, such as clay balls, and fill with a special succulent substrate. You can also make a mixture of ordinary potting soil, garden soil and river sand.
Plant in the center without burying the crown.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Euphorbia lactea, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply half a dose of cactus and succulent fertilizer.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Take thetip of a healthy stem with a clean, sharp knife. Your cutting should be at least fifteen centimetres long.
Run your cutting under water and spray the wound with water to stop the latex leaking out.
Leave your stem to air-dry until a wedge forms. This takes between 48 hours and two weeks.
Obtain a pierced terracotta pot. Fill it with sand or potting soil for cacti and succulents.
Plant your cutting deeply so that it doesn't tilt or fall over. You'll need to bury it at least eight centimetres deep.
Place your new plant in a room with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. Find a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Euphorbiaceae - Euphorbiaceae |
| Type | Euphorbia - Euphorbia |
| Species | Milky Euphorbia - Euphorbia lactea |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposure | |
| Substrats | |
| Planting methods |
In pots In tubs |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Fritillary Large pot Toxic |
| Origins |
South Asia Southeast Asia |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
| Leaf color |
|
| Flower color |
|
Discover plants from the same family
