Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' lacks the chlorophyll-bearing tissues necessary to produce green stems, but sometimes it may revert or partially revert to normal growth.
Scientific Name
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Common Name(s)
White Ghost, White Ghost Cactus
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia lactea 'Grey Ghost'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' is a cultivar of Euphorbia lactea.
Description
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' is an eye-catching succulent shrub or small tree with almost entirely white branches with pairs of blackish or brown spines along the ridges. It grows slower and reaches a smaller height than the species, usually around 10 feet (3 m). The branches are mainly white with a few greyish-green speckles and streaks. They are 3- or 4-angled, up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick, and curve gracefully upwards in a candelabra shape. Although the plant produces tiny white leaves at the branch tips in the summer, they quickly fall off, leaving it usually leafless.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Light: Providing your Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' with plenty of sunlight is important for optimal growth. Place it near a sunny window or move it to your balcony or garden during the warmer months, gradually increasing sun exposure to avoid sunburn.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil, either a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents or create your own well-draining soil.
Temperature: While high summer temperatures are not a problem, low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water the plant when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter and give it just enough water to prevent wilting. The evening is the best time of the day for watering in the warm season.
Fertilizing: To ensure the potted plant receives sufficient nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
Repotting: Although your Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' does not need to be repotted often, it will benefit from repotting when it outgrows its pot. The repotting is best done in early spring at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when handling this plant.
Propagation: While rarely blooms in cultivation, it is usually propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' produces a poisonous white milky sap that may cause burns or irritation if in contact with the skin or eyes. Therefore, keeping this plant away from children and pets is best.
Forms of Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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