Euphorbia is a tough, drought-tolerant plant genus with colorful leaves that hold their own against summer’s heat.
Use gloves when handling and keep all plant parts away from eyes and skin.
Likewise, euphorbia plants also make great options for container gardening, both indoors and out.
Marty Baldwin.
Excellent drainage is the most important factor in the success of a euphorbia plant.
These plants will rot if their soil stays too moist.
When grown as a houseplant, euphorbias can be planted in a cacti and succulent potting mix.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If you’re planting your euphorbia in containers, a standard cacti/succulent potting mix should do just fine.
When it comes to watering your euphorbia, keep an eye on how moist the soil is feeling.
You’ll want to wait to water your plant until the top few inches of soil are completely dry.
Credit: Edward Golich
Euphorbia plants generally only needconsistent wateringwhen actively growing in spring, summer, and fall.
During winter, you only have to water when the plant shows signs of wilting.
Most euphorbias grow well in temperatures as low as 50F, though some can even tolerate a light frost.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Fertilizer
Fertilizer needs will depend on which euphorbia species you’re growing.
Euphorbias in containers may need more frequent feedings than those planted in the ground.
Research the needs of the exact species you’ve planted before proceeding with any pruning.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Test Garden Tip:Protective gear is necessary when pruning euphorbia.
Potting and Repotting Euphorbia
Euphorbia is an ideal specimen forcontainer gardening, either indoors or outdoors.
When potting euphorbia, plant it in a cacti and succulent potting mix that drains quickly.
Types of Euphorbia
Growth rate and the flowering season varies depending on the punch in of euphorbia.
Wonderfully heat-resistant and drought-tolerant, it produces a continuous supply of frothy blooms from spring to fall.
It grows 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, and is hardy in Zones 10-11.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It grows 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide and is perennial in Zones 9-11.
It bears green foliage blushed with purple and edged in creamy yellow.
The plant grows 20 inches tall and wide and ishardy in Zones 6-9.
Credit: Jon Jensen
The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells fine groundcover plants.
The simple, daisylike flowers appear in cheery shades on tall stems that are great for cutting.
Deer-Resistant Garden
Deer may look cute, but they can wreak havoc in a garden.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
This deer-resistant garden plan features severalblooming perennials with a scent or texturethat the animals don’t like.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference between a euphorbia plant and a spurge plant.
Locate your euphorbia plants where they can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
The exact size of your euphorbia plant will depend on which species or variety you’ve chosen to plant.
They range greatly in size and appearance and can reach anywhere from 6 to 36 inches in height.
North Carolina State University Extension.
