Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia

Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia is an ornamental succulent shrub. It produces small yellowish, greenish, and red flowers. The pungent flowers of Koko have been described as smelling like bad breath. It has light green leaves that are 2-3 inches long. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Euphorbia should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets.

Scientific Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. celastroides
Scientific Name: Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia
Synonyms: Chamaesyce celastroides var. lorifolia, Chamaesyce celastroides var. mauiensis, Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides, Chamaesyce lorifolia, Euphorbia celastroides var. mauiensis, Euphorbia celastroides var. odonatoides, Euphorbia lorifolia, Euphorbia multiformis var. lorifolia.
Common Name: Koko, Akoko, Ekoko

How to care and grow Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia

Light

It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provides good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it regularly so that your plant doesn’t begin to grow lopsided.

Soil

It grows well in well-draining, gritty soils, or cactus potting mix. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil.

Water

Water regularly during the growing season. You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, which can potentially kill it off.

Temperature

It prefers an optimal temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit – 85 degrees Fahrenheit / 16 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during its growing season in the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing your plant during the fall and winter months.

Propagation

It can be easily propagated by seed and cuttings. Take cutting in spring, which needs to be dried out for a couple of weeks in shade before potting. This can be tricky, because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias.

Pests and Diseases

Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.