Euphorbia Plant Guide: How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia

Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Euphorbia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants with over 2,000 types ranging from small annual plants to large, long-living perennial trees to deciduous shrubs. Poinsettia plants are some of the most recognizable euphorbias.

Euphorbia plants are deer-resistant, resilient, and easy to grow in a wide range of hardiness zones. Known for having colorful foliage and unique flower structures called cyathiums, euphorbia plants make great additions to flower beds and rock gardens. Euphorbias work well as both outdoor plants and houseplants—as long as they receive the appropriate amount of light. Most of them go dormant in the winter but will bloom from late spring through early summer.

Consider these popular euphorbia varieties.

1. 1. Poinsettia: Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are popular plants for the Christmas holiday. You can find these potted plants at florists and garden centers in shades of bright red during the holiday season. Poinsettias feature bracts, which are modified colored leaves that also come in yellow, white, and pink varieties. If you receive a poinsettia as a holiday gift, with proper care, the plant can outlive the Christmas tree and rebloom the following winter.
2. 2. Crown of thorns: Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), also known as Christ plant or Christ thorn, are low-maintenance, easily adaptable, and can thrive as an indoor plant or outdoors. Crown of thorn plants have green leaves and small, colorful flowers. This plant also has sharp, spiny stems and branches that excrete a milky sap when broken. If you are considering a crown of thorns as a houseplant, be advised that they have high toxicity and can be poisonous to animals and humans if ingested.
3. 3. Efanthia wood spurge: This variety of wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Efanthia’), is an evergreen herbaceous perennial known for its chartreuse, yellow-green flowers.

Always wear gloves when handling these plants, as the milky sap they secrete may irritate your skin.

• Choose a well-draining location. As a plant that needs sufficient water drainage, euphorbia grows best where water runs downhill. Hillsides, pots with drainage holes, and raised flower beds work well.
• Plant euphorbia in the spring. Planting euphorbia after the last frost of the season or in the early spring will help ensure that the plants survive to maturity.
• Use sandy, well-draining soil. Like most succulents, euphorbia plants require potting soil designed specifically for cacti and succulents. These mixes are made to be well-draining and tend to be slightly acidic, which help minimize overwatering and root rot, respectively.
• Plant euphorbia in ample sunlight. As native desert plants, euphorbia do best in full sun to partial shade. Direct sun will lead to more intense and colorful foliage. Too much direct sunlight (more than eight hours) may scald the leaves.
• Choose a clay pot. If you plan on planting your euphorbia inside, use a porous clay pot as opposed to a glazed one. This will help facilitate water drainage.

Euphorbias are hardy plants that do well with little attention, which makes them easy for most gardeners—even beginners.

• Water euphorbia sparingly. While a newly propagated plant or a euphorbia you bought at a nursery should be kept moist until established, water it sparingly once it’s mature. Water your euphorbia plant when the top layer of soil is completely dry to the touch.
• Research the fertilizing needs for your plant. When it comes to feeding your euphorbia plant, it depends on the species you have. While most will benefit from some fertilizing, it’s best to research the needs of your exact plant. Generally, those kept in pots tend to need more fertilizer than those planted in garden beds.
• Prune euphorbia regularly. Despite being relatively low maintenance, euphorbias do require a bit of pruning. Trim any damaged stems, and cut back the stems at the base right after they bloom to encourage continued blooming.

Euphorbias are toxic to those with latex allergies because the milky, white sap they produce is a basis for latex products. Even for those without a latex allergy, the sap can be an irritant. Wear gloves whenever handling euphorbia plants. Should you get any latex on your skin, wash it off immediately. Avoid touching your eyes when handling euphorbia as the sap can cause severe irritation and, in rare cases, blindness. If ingested, euphorbia sap can also cause digestive issues, so keep these plants away from children and pets.

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