Petty Spurge, Milkweed
euphorbia peplus
Also known as: ["Radium Weed","Eskulapova Kvetka"]
Overview
A small annual herbaceous plant with milky sap, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Botanical Name: | Euphorbia peplus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or containers in sunny areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- 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: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct sun if acclimated gradually.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun slowly over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid shaded corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoids extremes.
Avoid drafty areas; use room thermometers; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem/leaf.
- Let cut end dry for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not wet.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callous before planting; maintain humidity; use sterile tools.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead growth; shape as desired; wear gloves to avoid sap irritation.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes root rot, and may lead to leaf yellowing or drop.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid overwatering during cold periods.
Hot Stress
Causes leaf scorch, dehydration, and may lead to sunburn or wilting.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Euphorbia peplus upon ingestion, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. The latex may also cause skin irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Euphorbia peplus by dogs can cause significant gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. The latex can also cause skin irritation if contact occurs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicEuphorbia peplus contains diterpene esters in its latex, which are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions upon contact. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity due to the irritant nature of the compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten or touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Euphorbia peplus safe for pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so ingestion should be avoided.
Q: How does Euphorbia peplus spread?
A: It reproduces by seeds and can spread rapidly in disturbed soils.
Q: Can Euphorbia peplus be used medicinally?
A: Traditionally, its sap has been used for skin conditions, but caution is advised due to toxicity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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