Euphorbia lactea is a species of spurge native to tropical Asia, mainly in India. It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 metres tall, with succulent branches 3–5 centimetres diameter, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section, and spiny ridges.
Euphorbia lactea is a tall, dark-green, many-branched, cactus-like shrub or small tree hairless throughout. It has a distinctive silhouette and can grow 3-6 m tall (or more) but rarely does in cultivation. Euphorbia lactea is one of the most common succulent euphorbias in cultivation, but highly variable with several forms and hybrids making precise descriptions of it difficult. Variegated and crested Euphorbia lactea is a popular subject for grafting; prized specimens are intricately convoluted and blend creamy white with shades of green and pink.
Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch during active growing season (more than once a week during hot weather). In the winter months, waterigs should be suspended or restricted to once over the winter. The most common failure in growing this plant is over watering, especially during the winter months.
It need bright light to partial shade for best appearance (but the variegated forms do best if protected from strong sunshine in the hottest hours of the day).
Feed mottled spurge twice monthly during the active growing season, from April until early September. Use low nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-10 or 10-20-20, for the best results. Apply the fertilizer at 1/4 strength to prevent root burn and water liberally afterward.
Euphorbia lactea is only hardy to 5°C and most grow it either in pots or in very protected locations.
