Euphorbia myrsinites aka Myrtle Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia myrsinites, also known as the myrtle spurge, blue spurge, or broad-leaved glaucous-spurge, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbia genus in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is an herbaceous evergreen perennial that is native to southeastern Europe and Asia minor. The plant grows quickly and can quickly spread to a height and width of about 12 feet, making it an invasive species. The stems of the myrtle spurge emerge from a woody base and trail along the ground, rising at the tip with bluish-green leaves. It reproduces rapidly and can cover large areas in a short amount of time. Despite its invasive tendencies, the myrtle spurge is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and requires very little water to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than a foot away from a window. The plant likes soil that is extremely well-draining and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. The genus name, Euphorbia, is believed to honor the king of Mauritania’s physician, Euphorbus. The myrtle spurge is native to Southern Europe to North Iran.

Common names

Myrtle Spurge, Donkey Tail, Blue Spurge

How to care for Myrtle Spurge

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Myrtle Spurge is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

When it comes to the Myrtle Spurge, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Myrtle 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 Blue Spurge.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

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

Humidity

Myrtle Spurge enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Myrtle Spurge is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Myrtle Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia