Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)

Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is an evergreen perennial succulent. It has sprawling stems growing up to 20–40 cm long. The leaves are spirally arranged, fleshy, pale glaucous bluish-green and up to 1–2 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, but surrounded by bright sulfur-yellow bracts (tinged red in the cultivar ‘Washfield’); they are produced during the spring.

The plant’s milky sap can cause significant skin and eye irritation in humans. Goggles, gloves and protective gear are often used when removing plants. Keep it away from pets and children.

Scientific classification:

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Genus:

Euphorbia

Species:

E. myrsinites

Scientific Name:

Euphorbia myrsinites

Common Names:

Myrtle spurge, blue spurge, or broad-leaved glaucous-spurge

How to care and grow Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)?

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 soil or cactus potting mix. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil.

Water:

You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. Before watering the plant check underneath the pot through the drainage holes to see if the roots are dry. If so then add some water. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, that can potentially kill it off.

Temperature:

It prefers an optimal temperatures 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 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. Also can be propagated from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate.

Pests and Diseases:

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