Euphorbia griffithii aka Griffith's Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia griffithii, also known as Griffith's spurge, is a rare and beautiful flowering plant belonging to the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Bhutan, Tibet, and southwest China. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 90 cm (35 in) and has numerous erect reddish stems. Its narrow dark green leaves feature striking red central veins, which turn red and yellow in autumn. During the summer, it produces flowerheads (cyathia) in brilliant shades of red and yellow. Euphorbia griffithii is a vigorous plant that can become invasive if not controlled. It has several cultivars, including 'Dixter' and 'Fireglow'. The cultivar 'Dixter' is a spreading rhizomatous perennial that reaches a height of 90 cm. It forms a thicket of erect stems adorned with narrow dark green leaves tinged with red. At the end of each stem, there is a cluster of bright orange-red flowers. When grown as a houseplant, Euphorbia griffithii requires minimal watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed within one foot of a window. Well-draining soil is essential for its growth. By repotting the plant each time it doubles in size, there is usually no need for additional fertilizers. The specific epithet "griffithii" pays homage to William Griffith (1810-1845), a British naturalist and botanist.

Common names

Griffith's Spurge, Fire Glow Spurge

How to care for Griffith's Spurge

Water

Griffith's Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Griffith's 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

Griffith's 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 Griffith's Spurge.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Griffith's Spurge to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Griffith's 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 Griffith's 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.

Region of origin

Griffith's Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia