How to Plant Euphorbia (Spurges) in Containers

Hundreds of different types of euphorbia, also known as spurges, exist. What they all have in common is the white milky sap, or latex, that flows from any damaged stem. Also, many euphorbias have the ability to lose their leaves and remain dormant during periods of extremely dry weather. Some euphorbias, such as The Crown of Thorns, produce colorful bracts or flowers. Many varieties are used as houseplants because they tolerate low-light conditions. Commonly grown euphorbias are succulents and prefer the same growing conditions as cactus.

Things You'll Need

• Horticultural grade sand
• Compost
• Planting container with drainage holes
• Euphorbia plant

Instructions

1. Choose a container for planting the euphorbia. The container should be no more than 2 inches deeper than the root system of the euphorbia you are planting. The root system of the euphorbia is shallow, and a deep container holds a layer of moist soil in the bottom that will rot the root system of the plant. The container should have drainage holes in the bottom.

2. Fill the container with a potting mixture of compost and 30 to 70 percent horticultural grade sand and compost. This mixture drains well while providing some nutrients to the euphorbia.

3. Soak the sand and compost mixture you placed in the container with water and allow to drain.

4. Plant the euphorbia in the container by digging a hole in the sand/compost mixture the size of the root section of the euphorbia you are planting. Be careful not to damage the existing root system. Plant it at the same level it was planted in the previous location or container.

5. Cover the base of the euphorbia with the sand and compost mixture and add water so there is a good seal of planting medium around the roots. Allow the planting mixture to dry out between new water applications.

6. Locate the euphorbia in an area of bright light such as a windowsill or patio. Protect the plant from freezing temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• Repot the euphorbia every year in a new compost/sand mixture to keep the plant healthy.

• The milky sap of the euphorbia plant is toxic. Do not allow it to get in your eyes or on your skin.

References

• The Succulent Plant Page: The Cultivation Page about Growing Cacti and Other Succulent Plants
• Euphorbia International: Producing, Harvesting and Sowing Seeds of Euphorbias
• Aggie Horticulture: Euphorbizceae-Spurge Family

Resources

• Desert Tropicals: Euphorbia
• Euphorbiaceae: Euphorbia Project