Euphorbia lactea, milky spurge
Euphorbia lactea
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Species
- Milky Euphorbia Euphorbia lactea
With its candelabra-like cactus silhouette, Euphorbia lactea could serve as a backdrop for a spaghetti western. But you're more likely to spot it in a Bollywood-style 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 can you recognize Euphorbia lactea?
Euphorbia lactea is a shrubby succulent plant. In the wild, it grows three to six meters tall.
The main stem is a column with three or four sides. The branches, which are also fleshy, have three or four sides. In the botanical variety, the trunk and branches are light green with cream or yellow marbling. But some cultivars, such as euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' are completely white.
The different varieties are all adorned with spines. White, yellow, red, or green—curved or narrow—they stand upright at the tips of the stems.
Can't tell if your euphorbia is an Euphorbia lactea or an Euphorbia trigona? Look at the leaf blades. Both species produce deciduous, teardrop-shaped leaves. But those of the milk spur are much smaller; they do not exceed one centimeter.
While new foliage appears frequently, flowering is very rare. In the wild, yellow flowers may bloom at the tips of the stems.
Euphorbia lactea gets its name from its milky-white sap, which oozes from the branches when they are cut. But don't even think about tasting it. It's latex, a substance that is toxic and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Our care 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.
Misting
Euphorbia lactea grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
Every year in the 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.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings 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.
Get a terracotta pot with drainage holes. Fill it with sand or potting mix for cacti and succulents.
Plant your cutting deeply so that it doesn't lean or fall over. You should bury it at least eight centimeters deep.
Place your new plant in a room with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. Find a bright spot for it, away from direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthSandy soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveLarge potToxic
- Origins
- South AsiaSoutheast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenWhite
- Flower color
- Yellow
Discover plants from the same family
Christmas star
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
