Euphorbia meloformis aka Melon Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia meloformis, also known as the melon spurge, is a succulent plant native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is a tender, clump-forming species that grows slowly and produces spherical, leafless, and spineless stems measuring up to 12.5cm (5in) in diameter. These stems have 8-12 vertical, angled ribs, which are adorned with narrow, horizontal bands of green and purple-bronze. During the spring and summer, greenish-yellow flowers emerge from the ribs near the top of the plant on persistent stems. Additionally, older plants have the ability to produce offsets from their base. This super rare houseplant thrives with minimal watering and requires long-lasting, direct light, preferably within 1 foot of a window. It prefers soil that is extremely well-draining and does not typically require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. The Royal Horticultural Society has recognized Euphorbia meloformis with the Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Melon Spurge

How to care for Melon Spurge

Water

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

Soil

The Melon 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

Melon 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 Melon Spurge is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Melon 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 Melon 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.

Region of origin

Melon Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia