Mottled spurge care guide
Euphorbia lactea
Also known as: White Ghost, Dragon bones, Crested euphorbia
Pets and children
Considered toxic
The milky sap from a cut strongly irritates skin and eyes and inflames the mouth or causes vomiting if eaten; keep it out of reach, wash sap off right away, and consult a veterinarian or doctor if swallowed.
How often to water Mottled spurge
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower: water well two or three days after the soil has dried through, as a guide, in the morning or evening in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- As it cools, water about one to two weeks after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every month
- Nearly dry: wet the surface about once a month on a warm morning, or every two to three weeks in a warm room, as a guide.
Light and placement for Mottled spurge
It likes bright light, but the white-variegated White Ghost and crested forms have little chlorophyll and scorch in midsummer sun; as a guide, full sun in spring and fall, bright partial shade in summer, and a window in winter.
Overwintering Mottled spurge
Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above
Tender: keep it generally above 8°C, moving it to a bright window when nights drop below 12°C and resting it dry; grafted plants suffer if the rootstock chills, so do not stand them on a cold floor.
Fertilizing and repotting Mottled spurge
Fertilizer
Feed sparingly: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month from May to September and none in fall or winter, with even less for the whitest plants.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Mottled spurge
- Overwatered in winter, it turns soft and rots at the base.
- Midsummer sun burns the white areas brown.
- The graft's rootstock chills and fails, taking the top with it.
Tips for growing Mottled spurge
- Crested plants are often grafted, so give the rootstock light and air too.
- Handle with gloves and keep the latex off your skin and eyes.
- Waiting for the skin to wrinkle before watering helps prevent root rot.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
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