Lions Spore (Euphorbia clavarioides var. truncata)

Lions Spore (Euphorbia clavarioides var. truncata) is a succulent shrub that grows to form huge mounds of evergreen stems resembling a thornless cactus. It has small leaves and thick stems one half inch wide and 1-2 inches long from dense cushions, 3 inches high and 12 inches wide. It produces small bright yellow flowers in summer. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Lions Spore should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. clavarioides
Scientific Name: Euphorbia clavarioides var. ‘Truncata’
Common Name: Lion’s Sporte

How to care and grow for Lions Spore (Euphorbia clavarioides var. truncata)

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

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.

Propagation

Lions Spore 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

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