Euphorbia cyparissias aka Cypress Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia cyparissias, also known as the cypress spurge, is a species of plant in the Euphorbia genus. It is native to Europe and can be found in habitats such as dunes, pannes, coastal headlands, and grasslands. It was introduced to North America in the 1860s as an ornamental plant and is commonly found in the dry, gravelly soil of roadsides, pastures, and meadows. The plant is a perennial and grows up to 40 cm tall, with small, linear leaves and green-yellow petal-like bracts that mature to purple or red from May to August. However, it is considered a noxious weed in many places, including Colorado in the United States. Cypress spurge is also a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs very little water to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. The plant thrives in soil that is extremely well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Cypress spurge belongs to the Euphorbia genus and is native to Europe to Northwest Turkey.

Common names

Cypress Spurge, Bonaparte's Crown, Cemetary Plant

How to care for Cypress Spurge

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Cypress Spurge is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

When growing the Cypress Spurge, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Cypress Spurge requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bonaparte's Crown is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Cypress Spurge to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Cypress Spurge is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Cypress Spurge plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Cypress Spurge grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Cypress Spurge as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Cypress Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia