Euphorbia esula aka Leafy Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia esula, also known as green spurge or leafy spurge, is a native, deciduous, herbaceous perennial plant found in central and southern Europe, extending to England, the Netherlands, and Germany, as well as through most of Asia up to Korea and eastern Siberia. It grows up to approximately 90cm (3ft) in height, with new stems emerging from buds on an underground rhizome in spring. The rhizome can become extensive and has deep vertical roots capable of penetrating several meters into the soil. Clusters of small yellow-green floral bracts appear in spring and summer, followed by abundant seed production. While lacking in ornamental value, this plant has become a nuisance and invasive weed in various countries due to its ability to regenerate from its deep root system and produce copious amounts of seeds. Leafy Spurge, a rare houseplant, poses an exciting challenge for growers and requires minimal watering to thrive. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within one foot of a window. Well-draining soil is crucial for Leafy Spurge's growth. Regular repotting, doubling the pot size each time, eliminates the need for additional fertilizers. Belonging to the Euphorbia genus, Leafy Spurge is native to the Azores to Eurasia.

Common names

Leafy Spurge, Wolf's Milk, Spurge, Faitours Grass

How to care for Leafy Spurge

Water

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

Soil

The Leafy Spurge is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Leafy 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 Faitours Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Leafy Spurge plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

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

Humidity

Leafy Spurge prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Leafy Spurge is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Leafy Spurge displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Leafy Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia