Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Euphorbia cotinifolia or Caribbean copper

The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia lambii, Euphorbia piscatoria, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia umbellata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia characias,  Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia leucocephala, Euphorbia anachoreta, Euphorbia tithymaloides.

Common names: Mexican shrubby spurge, Tropical smoke bush, Smoketree spurge, Caribbean copper. This species is native to Mexico and South America.

They are shrubs or small trees with a rounded crown that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The decorative reddish leaves are elliptical in shape; they are perennial if they do not suffer from frost or drought. They produce small white flowers that are not very decorative. They bloom in spring.

Mexican shrubby spurge is used as isolated specimens in small gardens and to form hedges.

Euphorbia cotinifolia needs direct sun exposure; in semi-shade the leaves will be green. It is a tropical plant that does not resist cold or frost.

The soil must be fertile and very well drained; use a garden substrate with 20% sand and 25% organic matter.

Water regularly so that the soil is always a bit damp (never water); if Tropical smoke bush suffers drought it can lose the leaves and even some branches.

Fertilize in autumn with manure or compost.

Prune in late winter to keep it compact.

Euphorbia cotinifolia is a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases; it only fears cold and drought.

Caribbean copper propagates by seeds sown in spring or by semi-woody cuttings in summer.

Images of the shrub Euphorbia cotinifolia or Caribbean copper