Am I Taking Good Care Of My Euphorbia?

Is your euphorbia placed somewhere in full sun, but not in direct sunlight?

Is your euphorbia planted in a well-drained soil?

Do you water your euphorbia regularly?

Do you fertilize regularly?

Do you repot your euphorbias when they outgrow their pot?

Do you keep your euphorbia free of pests and diseases?

Euphorbia plants prefer a spot in full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight every day, although they can tolerate partial shade. Place your euphorbia on a sunny window or under artificial lights for the best results. Also, avoid direct sunlight as these plants are prone to sunburn.

Euphorbias do not like to sit in waterlogged, soggy soil, so good drainage is essential for these plants. If planted in waterlogged soil, will suffer from root rot and will eventually die. Standard cactus potting mixes are sufficient for euphorbias, which can be found at most nurseries and garden centers.

Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. Your plants might need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don't let the plants sit in wet soil, to avoid root rot.

To help your Euphorbias get established and growing well, add some organic matter, like compost, or a balanced, organic fertilizer to the initial planting hole. If you are growing Euphorbia in a container or if your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Euphorbias will benefit from repotting. When your plant has outgrown its pot, move it to a larger one and give it a fresh potting mix. The pot should be 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the base of the plant.

Good job! You are taking good care of your euphorbia succulent.

Euphorbias are rarely affected by pests, but if it does suffer from a pest infestation, then it will typically be mealybugs and spider mites. Organic neem oil is an environmentally friendly means of discouraging them from attacking. Maintain good watering practices to avoid root rot and other fungal problems.