Canary Island spurge (Euphorbia regis-jubae)
Care, watering, light and tips for Canary Island spurge on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Canary Island spurge
Euphorbia regis-jubae, known as Wild Tabaiba, is a succulent shrub endemic to the Canary Islands with fleshy, branched stems that become woody with age. It produces yellowish inflorescences in spring and is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, or as a focal plant in arid landscapes, providing an exotic and structural touch. Its presence is striking in coastal or Mediterranean gardens where the climate is mild.
Native range
Canary Islands
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be sporadic and deep, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot; it is very drought tolerant. It needs a very well-drained substrate, preferably sandy or for cacti and succulents. Avoid overwatering at all costs, especially in winter, as it is the most common cause of death for this species.
How to save a dying Canary Island spurge
- Warning signs
- Soft or shriveled stems, discoloration (yellowing, blackening), leaf drop, lack of growth.
- First aid
- Remove plant from soil, inspect roots. Cut off soft/black parts. Let dry 2-3 days. Repot in well-draining soil. Water only when substrate is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poorly draining soil. This quickly rots its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected most of the main stem. Act quickly.