Euphorbia epithymoides aka Cushion Spurge
Taxonomy
Euphorbia epithymoides, also known as the cushion spurge or E. polychroma, is a compact, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial. It is native to Libya, Turkey, and various regions in East, Middle, and Southeast Europe. This deciduous plant grows to about 45 cm (18 in) in height and width, producing basal stems in spring. Its dark-green and white-edged leaves are tinged with pink in spring, and in spring and summer, it showcases terminal clusters of intense, yellow-green floral bracts. As autumn approaches, the foliage turns orange, red, and yellow before falling. The cultivar 'Major' has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. While the cushion spurge is a rare houseplant, it is relatively easy to grow, requiring minimal watering and thriving in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does not typically need added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Euphorbia genus, it is native to Central and Southeastern Europe, as well as Northwest Turkey and Libya.
Common names
Cushion Spurge, MjlkurjurtHow to care for Cushion Spurge
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Cushion Spurge due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Cushion Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To ensure the health of your Cushion Spurge, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Cushion Spurge thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cushion Spurge.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Cushion Spurge to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Cushion Spurge is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Cushion Spurge prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Cushion Spurge is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The Cushion Spurge is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.
Region of origin
Cushion Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Euphorbia Genus
Euphorbia peplis Purple Spurge
Euphorbia radians Sun Spurge
Euphorbia balsamifera Balsam Spurge
Euphorbia geroldii Thornless Crown Of Christ
Euphorbia clavarioides Euphorbia Clavarioides
Euphorbia didiereoides
Euphorbia serpyllifolia
Euphorbia tortirama Aibrohpue
Euphorbia stellata
