Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mottled 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 Mottled spurge
Euphorbia lactea, also known as 'Mottled Spurge' or 'Dragon Bones', is a shrubby succulent cactus with upright, segmented, and crested stems, often displaying dark green, white, and silvery patterns. Its sculptural and distinctive form makes it an ideal centerpiece for rock gardens, succulent collections, or as a potted indoor plant. Its appearance is often compared to marine coral or an exotic rock formation.
Native range
India
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect sunlight; intense direct sun exposure can scorch its stems. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, and reduced in winter. Use a well-draining substrate specific for cacti and succulents. A common mistake is overwatering, which is the leading cause of its decline.
How to save a dying Mottled spurge
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or discolored (yellow/brown) stems. Black spots or mold at the base.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot. Examine roots/stems, cut away rot with sterilized knife. Let dry for days, then repot in dry substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or low light. Also, substrate that retains too much moisture.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected more than 50% of the plant and the apex is healthy. Act quickly.