mottled spurge

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) should be watered on a regular basis but should never be overwatered. During the growing season, typically April to September, water the plant thoroughly 3 times a week, allowing it to dry out between waterings. During the winter season, from October to March, reduce watering to once a week or every other week, depending on local humidity and temperature; however, avoid freezing temperatures. During the winter it’s important to water sparingly to prevent root rot. The soil should always be moist, but never soggy. It may be helpful to raise the pot for better drainage.

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is an evergreen, perennial shrub that grows best in bright, direct sunlight during the day. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate some partial shade. In mild-winter climates, it can grow in almost full shade or dappled shade. To prevent the leaves from burning or becoming too stressed in the sun, it's important to provide it with adequate watering. If the plant is kept outdoors, it should receive full sun exposure for 6 to 8 hours every day. If kept indoors, it should be placed in an area that gets a lot of natural sunlight, such as near a bright window. It is important to keep in mind that too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched and the plant to become dehydrated, leading to a stunted or even a dead shrub.

When it comes to pruning mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea), it is best done during the early spring or late fall months. Generally, pruning should only be done if the growth of the plant has become sparse or if it has become overgrown. Light pruning can also be done to encourage a thicker or more compact look. When performing light pruning, it is important to remove no more than 1/3 of the entire plant at any 1 time. Doing more than this can cause the remaining parts of the plant to become weak or stressed. During the pruning process, be sure to use sharp pruning shears and always discard fallen parts of the plant into the trash.