Coral Spurge

euphorbia mammillaris

Also known as: ["Finger Spurge","Coral Plant"]

Family: Euphoraceae Genus: Euphorbia Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent species native to South Africa, characterized by its cylindrical, segmented stems and small, inconspicuous flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphoraceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Botanical Name: Euphorbia mammillaris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor in rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead growth is present.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but may etiolate in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Place indoors near a south-facing window or outdoors in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy stems (overwatering); shriveled leaves (underwatering); yellowing (nutrient issues or poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer.

Watering

every 10–14 days during growing season, reduce to monthly in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use gritty soil; avoid peat-heavy mixes; ensure pots drain well.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F / 18–27°C). Tolerates mild frost but thrives in warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good ventilation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or offsets.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut a healthy stem.
  2. Let it callus for a few days.
  3. Plant in dry soil.
  4. Water lightly after roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pot, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use sterile tools to prevent rot.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim stems just above a node or junction; remove offsets if overcrowding occurs.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape and health.

Tools

Sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; wear gloves to avoid sap irritation.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot only when root-bound or soil degrades (every 2–3 years).

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid overpotting; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the stem. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil precisely, avoiding the plant's body.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to commercial potting mix; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, stunted growth, or soft stems in cold; wilting or sunburn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and increase susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; insulate pots in cold climates.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or scorching of the epidermis.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase airflow; mist lightly if necessary.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (half-strength) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Euphorbia mammillaris may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Euphorbia mammillaris can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or root damage, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Euphorbia mammillaris are not commonly reported, as the plant has succulent leaves that are less prone to fungal or bacterial infections.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Euphorbia mammillaris due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to tissue decay and plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest parts of Euphorbia mammillaris may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation due to the plant's sap. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
sap leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep the plant away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Euphorbia mammillaris by dogs can cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the irritant compounds in the sap. The effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
sap leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep the plant out of reach of pets. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The milky sap of Euphorbia mammillaris contains diterpenoid phorbol esters and other irritants that can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the sap's irritant properties.

⚠️ Symptoms:
skin irritation eye irritation mild nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
sap leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if touched or ingested

Avoid contact with the sap. Wear gloves when handling and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Keep out of reach of children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Euphorbia mammillaris toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Euphorbia mammillaris?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Q: Can Euphorbia mammillaris be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light with good drainage.

Quick Reference
Family: Euphoraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 10–14 days during grow
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers"]
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