Euphorbia serpens aka Matted Sandmat

Taxonomy

Euphorbia serpens, commonly known as matted sandmat, is a small, much-branched prostrate annual herb with hairless branches up to 20 cm long. It is native to South America but has been introduced as a weed on most continents. The oval leaves occur in oppositely arranged pairs, each leaf less than a centimeter long. The inflorescence is a cyathium with scalloped white petal-like appendages surrounding the actual flowers. A red nectar gland is at the base of each appendage, and at the center of the cyathium are several male flowers around one female flower. The fruit is a lobed, spherical capsule. Spurges flower when young and have little or no seed dormancy, making weed populations increase rapidly. To reduce seed production, remove plants when young. They can be difficult to hand weed due to the number of seedlings that form, and some species may forcefully discharge seeds. Preemergence herbicides labeled for use are effective for management. Creeping spurge, a rare houseplant that belongs to the Euphorbia genus, has smaller, more rounded leaves and lacks hairs on the stem compared to other prostrate spurges. It is native to South and North America and does best in long-lasting, direct light, and well-draining soil. Repotting each time it doubles in size is recommended, and added fertilizers are unnecessary.

Common names

Matted Sandmat, Creeping Spurge, Round Leafed Spurge

How to care for Matted Sandmat

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

When it comes to the Matted Sandmat, 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

Matted Sandmat 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 Matted Sandmat will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Matted Sandmat 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 Matted Sandmat 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

Matted Sandmat’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia