Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii)

Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii) is a rare ornamental succulent shrub. It has Grayish-green leaves and produces greenish-White flowers that are not showy. The flowers are followed by bright pinkish to red fruits. The pungent flowers of ʻakoko have been described as smelling like bad breath. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii) 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. stokesii

Common Names:

Koko, Ekoko

Synonyms:

Chamaesyce celastroides var. kealiana, Chamaesyce celastroides var. moomomiana, Chamaesyce celastroides var. stokesii, Euphorbia celastroides var. moomomiana, Euphorbia stokesii

How to care and grow for Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii)

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 over watering, 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.

Pruning

Generally not necessary to prune plants except to remove dead branches and leaves for a cleaner appearance in the landscape. A milky, sticky latex naturally oozes from wounds.

Propagation

Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii) 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

Koko (Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii) may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.