Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata' is a small plant that forms interesting, sculptural shapes as it grows.
Scientific Name
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Common Name(s)
White Ghost, White Ghost Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
This plant is a crested form of Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'.
Description
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata' is an attractive succulent plant with a unique and unusual growth pattern. It produces flattened, contorted stems and branches that are almost entirely white and have pairs of blackish or brown spines along the ridges. Compared to the normal Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost', this form grows slower and reaches a smaller height. The branches are mainly white with a few greyish-green speckles and streaks. The new growth is usually pinkish-red. Although the plant produces tiny white or pinkish-red leaves at the branch tips in the summer, they quickly fall off, leaving it typically leafless. Each specimen has a unique shape and sometimes can display both mutated and normal growth.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata'
Light: Providing your Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata' 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 Cristata' 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 Cristata' 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: It is 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 Cristata'
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost Cristata' 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.
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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