Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Euphorbia viguieri or Viguier's spurge

The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Euphorbia viguieri, Euphorbia meloformis, Euphorbia bubalina, Euphorbia lomelii, Euphorbia enopla, Euphorbia echinus, Euphorbia coerulescens, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia candelabrum, Euphorbia canariensis, Euphorbia obesa, Euphorbia resinifera, Euphorbia tithymaloides, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia royleana, Euphorbia trigona, Euphorbia bivonae, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia handiensis, Euphorbia balsamifera.

Common name: Viguier's spurge. This species is native to Madagascar.

Euphorbia viguieri is a slow-growing, unbranched, cacti-like succulent plant with an erect, glossy, dark green stem that grows up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) tall. It has ribs with white spines up to 2 cm (0.78") long. At the apex of the stem, it produces 10 cm (3.93") long inflorescences with small flowers wrapped in showy, bright red bracts.

Viguier's spurge is often used in pots as an indoor plant or as a patio or terrace plant (especially when young).

Euphorbia viguieri prefers semi-shaded exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. If grown indoors, it should be placed next to a well-ventilated window. The safe winter temperature is 12 ºC (53.6 ºF).

The best soil would be a commercial cactus substrate with 25% calcareous gravel. Repotting is done in early spring.

Viguier's spurge is a drought-resistant plant that requires moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter, water once a month at most, as the plant enters dormancy.

Fertilize monthly during spring with a mineral fertilizer for cacti.

It does not require pruning, but wilted flower stems can be cut back.

Euphorbia viguieri is resistant to common pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity and cold. It can be attacked by mites and mealybugs if it does not have good ventilation indoors.

Viguier's spurge propagates from seeds sown in spring in a sandy seedbed.

Images of the succulent plant Euphorbia viguieri or Viguier's spurge