The plant genus Euphorbia includes so many different species of the so-called spurge family that there is something for every visual taste. Due to the countries of origin of these often succulent plant species, the windowsill is generally preferable as a location to the outdoor bed.
What special features do Euphorbia houseplants have?
Euphorbia houseplants, also known as spurge plants, are popular succulents for sunny windowsills. These include triangular spurge, spurge cactus and poinsettia. Caution is advised when handling their poisonous milky juice. Care varies depending on the subspecies, but dry conditions and cactus soil are usually recommended.
Many popular houseplants are euphorbias
Since euphorbias generally cannot tolerate frost, they are ideal for a sunny spot on the windowsill in this country. Some varieties even appreciate the heat that occurs in direct sunlight directly behind the window glass and do not particularly mind care errors such as irregular watering. So it's no wonder that some of the most popular houseplants can be found within this plant genus, for example:
- the triangular spurge
- the spurge cactus
- the poinsettia
These types of spurge can not only be found in well-stocked plant shops, but are usually particularly easy to propagate yourself.
Be careful when handling euphorbias
No matter how much enthusiasm you may have for the exotic beauty of various species of Euphorbia, you should never be deceived by the potential danger posed by these plants. When cutting a Euphorbia in particular, it is important to take appropriate protective measures against the poisonous plant sap. Since this latex-like milky sap can escape from even minor injuries to the plants, milkweed plants should be positioned out of the reach of pets and small children. If you come into contact with the milky juice, it should be washed off thoroughly immediately, as it can not only cause irritation to the skin and poisoning, but is also said to accelerate the growth of tumors.
Address the needs of the respective subspecies
Even if there are certain similarities between the different types of milkweed, the different types should also be cared for according to their individual needs. While some euphorbias like it sunny all year round, others should spend their annual rest period in a partially shaded location. Since the needs of the common euphorbias for cultivation in the house are very different, you should always consult the information in the respective plant profile.
Tip
For most euphorbias, the plant pot can easily be filled with commercially available cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon). For he althy growth, it is usually better to keep a euphorbia relatively dry than too wet.