Species Indian tree spurge
slender, cylindrical, green and succulent, smooth texture stems
yellow-green branches with yellow-green needles

Indian tree spurge

Euphorbia tirucalli

Indian tree spurge is an amazing species of plant. It is a member of the Euphorbia family and is native to India, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pakistan, and the Arabian Peninsula. It can reach heights of up to 20 feet and can form sprawling and dense clumps. The plant is unique for its cylindrical orange-red stems that exude a white milky sap if snapped or cut, that can cause skin irritation. It can thrive in a variety of environments ranging from dry deserts to wet tropical forests. Its unique features make it a great addition to landscaping as it creates an exotically interesting look. Due to its resistance to drought and disease it is also highly valuable in xeriscaping and other landscaping purposes.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

11 - 12

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Indian tree spurge, also known as stick euphorbia, should be watered moderately throughout the growing season. In the warmer months, the plant should receive about 1 inch of water per week. During the cooler months, this should be reduced to about ½ inch of water every 2 weeks. When watering Indian tree spurge, avoid overwatering as excessive moisture can cause root rot. When in doubt, opt for less water as it prefers dry soil conditions.

sunlight

Indian Tree Spurge (Euphorbia tirucalli) needs full sunlight for optimal growth. This plant should get between 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, although it can tolerate up to 12 hours of sunlight in a day. It is important to note that this species does not do well in hot, humid climates, and should be protected from the full afternoon sun to help decrease its chances of wilting or dying from the heat.

pruning

Indian tree spurge (Euphorbia tirucalli) should be pruned twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. In the spring, prune the tree spurge by removing dead branches and twigs and cutting back any damaged or crossed branches. In the fall, prune the tree spurge again to encourage dense, bushy growth. When pruning, prune gently, taking off no more than 1/3 of the root mass at 1 time, and make sure to clean up and dispose of all trimmings. Pruning Indian tree spurge helps maintain its shape and size, and increases flowering and overall health of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Euphorbia tirucalli typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Starts Flowering

Euphorbia tirucalli typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Hardiness Map