Almost entirely white euphorbia | rare cultivar without chlorophyll

Euphorbia lactea, commonly known as mottled spurge, is a usually leafless, cactus-like succulent shrub or small tree that grows upright up to about 4.5 meters tall. In pots, it grows much smaller and can easily be kept as a 30-60 centimeter tall houseplant. The species is thought to be native to India.

The genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania. The species epithet lactea means milky, probably for the plant's milky sap.

'White Ghost' is an almost entirely white form that lacks the chlorophyll-bearing tissues necessary to produce green stems.

Small oval leaves appear at the plant tips in summer but quickly fall, leaving the plants leafless most of the time. Plants rarely flower in cultivation. When flowers appear, they are insignificantly placed near the stem tips.

Care

Thrives in bright light with some direct sun. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Use cactus soil with excellent drainage. Ideal temperature 18-28°C, minimum 10°C.

Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with cactus fertilizer. Buy Euphorbia lactea 'white ghost' online!