Happy Urban Dirt

Have you ever seen a succulent with leaves, and those with white veins? Well, that’s Euphorbia leuconeura. Do you know it? It is an endangered plant because it is losing its habitat in Madagascar.. What if you had it in your collection?

Below we will discuss it, its characteristics and the care that needs to be provided if we want to take care of it.

What does Euphorbia leuconeura look like?

Euphorbia leuconeura is better known as the Madagascar gem and, as we have already said, it is an endangered plant because it is losing its habitat (rocky areas where it grows among the forest undergrowth). It comes from Madagascar (hence its name) and is usually kept there as a houseplant.

It grows to a height of almost two meters and looks like a branching tree. The leaves are shadowy greenHowever, they attract a lot of attention because when they are adolescent, they are full of white veins. This means that as they grow or get older, this feature will disappear.

Another compelling fact to note is that it has been said to be a “spitter.” It’s not like I’m going to spit poison at you or anything. But it does shoot seeds, sometimes a few inches from the plant. Hence the name, because it can spread a few feet around itself. And that’s what Its onion-like shape places this plant in the center where it flowers and scatters its seeds.

The plant is perennial, although it sometimes loses its leaves in winter, only to re-sprout in spring (especially when temperatures drop below 10 degrees).

You have to be careful because if something breaks off the plant, it leaks a white liquid that is toxic and irritating when in contact with the skin, it can even promote cancerTherefore, it is recommended to wear gloves or even goggles to prevent the liquid from coming into contact with humans.

Euphorbia leuconeura care

Now that you know about Euphorbia leuconeura, would you like to have it in your collection? It is not an “ordinary” plant, but it still is pretty. That’s just how it is and you just have to be careful with this fluid issue (so as not to put your health at risk).

Finding the right care isn’t effortless, so here’s a summary of everything you need to consider to make sure you don’t lose it.

location and temperature

The first thing you should know is that Euphorbia leuconeura is a house succulent. It doesn’t have to be outdoors, but it thrives much better indoors. It will tolerate both partial shade and full shade, although we recommend the former over the latter.

You need to make sure there are no drafts, because it does not tolerate them at all. However, you can have it both in a pot and plant it in the garden (for example next to the terrace or on the balcony where there is a immense flower pot).

As for temperature, the euphorbia generally tolerates temperatures very well, both high and low. However, in the case of Euphorbia leuconeura, we found data that warns us that If the temperature drops below 10ºC, there may be no leaves, but they will grow back in spring.

Generally, your ideal is 25-32ºC. But it can handle a few degrees more heat.

Subsoil

Euphorbia leuconeura is a plant that does not cause major problems in the soil because it tolerates slightly acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline (not extreme) pH.

Please remember that it requires good drainage. That is why we recommend a mixture with a universal substrate, a bit of peat and plenty of drainage (perlite, bark, etc.), which will facilitate with good oxygenation.

It is essential to remember that the plant must be deep in the pot so that it can develop and grow as towering as it should (at least 24–30 centimetres).

Irrigation

Euphorbia leuconeura is a plant that tolerates excess water much better. This means that if you overdo it, nothing will happen (of course, if it happens occasionally, because if it happens often, it can cause root rot).

So watering once a week is more than enough. Yes, indeed, To do this, make sure the surface is droughty.

In autumn and winter it may be necessary to spread watering even more widely. In fact, the plants even stop growing, which helps them enter a dormant period and have a better chance of success if the soil is droughty (don’t worry, as the plants can go long periods without water).

Another point to consider is humidity. It is vital that it is between 30 and 60% if indoors.

Subscriber

Once a month, in spring and summer, you should add a little fertilizer to provide it with more nutrients. Yes, indeed, If you have just planted or transplanted, it is better to wait a few months do this because the plant already has all the nutrients it needs (better to leave it for next year).

pruning

Euphorbia leuconeura generally does not need pruning. However, it may happen that your stems will be damaged. If this happens, wear gloves and safety glasses before touching to avoid skin irritation or health problems. You need to cut them off from the base.

Plus, you don’t have to touch the plant at all.

Multiplication

Euphorbia leuconeura is propagated by seeds. They are “spit out” by the plant itself a few centimeters from it. And it is these seeds that are planted and after 3-4 weeks they should germinate and grow from there quite quickly.

We do not intend to claim that finding Euphorbia leuconeura is effortless, because it becomes complicated since this species is disappearing. But the truth is that it is not costly if you find it (usually outside of Spain). Would you dare to have it?