Euphorbia nutans aka Eyebane

Taxonomy

Euphorbia nutans, also known as eyebane and nodding spurge, is an annual herb that is native to much of the United States, Eastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Venezuela. It is reportedly naturalized in parts of Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and New Zealand, and has been introduced to California where it can become a noxious weed. It generally occurs on disturbed ground or in ornamental flower beds. This plant grows erect with pairs of oblong leaves along its stems, which may be up to 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in) long, hairy or hairless, and finely toothed. The inflorescence may be solitary or borne in clusters, with each inflorescence being a cyathium, with flat white or red appendages surrounding the actual flowers. The fruit is a capsule about 2 millimetres (0.079 in) wide. To get rid of this weed, it is best to remove plants when young to reduce seed production. They are time-consuming to hand weed due to the number of seedlings that form, and some species may forcefully discharge seeds. Spurges are well-controlled by most preemergence herbicides labeled for use. Preliminary research suggests that nodding spurge is generally well-controlled by most herbicides that list "spurge" as a susceptible species. Eyebane is also a rare houseplant that requires very little water to thrive and does best in long-lasting, direct light. It likes soil that is extremely well-draining, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. If repotted each time it doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers.

Common names

Eyebane, Nodding Spurge, Upright Spotted Spurge

How to care for Eyebane

Difficulty

Eyebane is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

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

Soil

The Eyebane is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Eyebane requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Eyebane will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Eyebane to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Eyebane thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Eyebane is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Eyebane’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia