Euphorbia peplus aka Petty Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia peplus, also known as petty spurge, radium weed, cancer weed, or milkweed, is a self-seeding annual that is native to most of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It typically grows in cultivated arable land, gardens, and other disturbed areas, but it has become invasive in many countries outside of its native range, including Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Despite its reputation as a weed, some homeowners appreciate petty spurge for its ability to grow in moist, shady, or tight spaces where other plants struggle. This plant features branching stems, green ovate leaves, and small yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. However, like all spurges, the broken stems exude a milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes. Cancer Weed, another member of the Euphorbia genus, is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and prefers direct sunlight and well-draining soil. It is native to Europe, the Western Himalayas, and the Mediterranean to Somalia. Watering should be limited, and fertilizers are unnecessary if the plant is repotted as it grows.

Common names

Petty Spurge, Radium Plant, Spurge

How to care for Petty Spurge

Difficulty

Petty Spurge presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

The Petty Spurge 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Petty Spurge prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

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

Humidity

Petty Spurge 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 Petty Spurge 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.

Growth-pattern

Petty Spurge grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Petty Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia