How to Grow a Plant Called Euphorbia

Euphorbia is a large genus of many different plants.

There are over 2,000 species in the Euphorbia genus, and most gardeners know the plants by their common name, spurge. A diverse group of plants, they can be either annual or deciduous, trees or shrubs and some are succulent. The most famous of all plants in the Euphorbia family is the poinsettia and the most commonly grown is the succulent, as a houseplant.

Things You'll Need

• Artificial lights
• Fertilizer
• Plant misting bottle

Instructions

1. Grow your Euphorbia in the brightest light possible, but out of direct sunlight. Growers with the International Euphorbia Society suggest the use of artificial light to supplement daylight, if needed.

2. Water the Euphorbia heavily during the growing season, until the excess water drains from the bottom of the pot. Experts at the International Euphorbia Society claim that this heavy watering should be followed by drops of water given frequently to keep the soil from drying.

3. Fertilize the Euphorbia in the late spring or summer with a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen, such as 5-10-10. Master Gardeners at the University of Minnesota Extension suggest that you dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the package. Always water the plant prior to fertilizing.

4. Provide the Euphorbia humidity in the summer by misting it with water from a plant misting bottle. Do not mist it in the cooler months of fall, winter and spring.

References

• International Euphorbia Society: Growing Tips
• University of Minnesota Extension: Cacti and Succulents