Euphorbia clava (Club Spurge)

Euphorbia clava (Club Spurge) is a rare and unique ornamental succulent shrublet that grows up to 1-2 m tall. It has an erect, simple and columnar stem when young, later branching, with a long basal conical part, erect, subparallel, cylindrical branches, covered with hexagonal conical tubercles. The leaves are bright green to glaucous green, linear, with the edges parallel. The flowers occur in late spring, are very pretty, light-green to purplish bracts. The fruit is capsule-shaped with dark brown ellipsoid seeds. Young plants are happy growing indoors, where they can easily reach the ceiling.

The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Euphorbia clava should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. clava
Scientific Name: Euphorbia clava Jacquin
Common Names: Club Spurge
Synonyms: Euphorbia canaliculata, Euphorbia clavata, Euphorbia coronata, Euphorbia haworthii, Euphorbia radiata, Treisia clava.

How to grow and care for Euphorbia clava (Club Spurge)

Light

It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provide good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it in 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

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