Euphorbia chamaesyce aka Crenated Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia chamaesyce, also known as spotted spurge or spotted euphorbia, is an annual plant that is native to North Africa, Europe, and Asia but has become invasive in Europe. It is a low-growing plant that is often considered a weed and can grow in almost any open area, including waste ground, roadsides, pastures, open woods, and in sidewalk cracks. This summer annual in the spurge family can overgrow and smother desirable plants, and its taxonomy is rather confused, with some authorities considering it to be in the genus Euphorbia and others assigning it to the genus Chamaesyce. Prostate spurge, a similar but different species of plant, is a super rare houseplant that needs very little water to thrive and does best in long-lasting, direct light. It likes soil that is extremely well-draining and shouldn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Crenated Spurge, Ground Fig Spurge, Least Spurge

How to care for Crenated Spurge

Difficulty

Crenated Spurge requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Crenated Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Crenated Spurge is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Crenated Spurge requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Crenated Spurge will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Crenated Spurge to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Crenated Spurge thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Crenated Spurge is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Crenated Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia