Euphorbia dendroides — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
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Euphorbia dendroides

Euphorbia Dendroides

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ON THIS PLANT

Euphorbia dendroides, commonly known as the tree spurge, is a flowering plant species in the Euphorbia family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it can be found in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. This plant typically grows up to 2 meters tall, featuring a woody stem with numerous branches that form a dense crown of foliage. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and bluish-green, creating a striking contrast with its yellow-green flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

Euphorbia dendroides is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping gardens or landscapes with low water availability. However, it's important to note that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised when handling or planting it around children and pets.

A note from PlantMom

Tree spurge shows strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, the plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Tree spurget is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require a lot of care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Euphorbia Dendroides.

Light

Tree spurge does best with plentiful sunlight throughout the day, which encourages vigorous growth. Although it is adapted to bright habitats, too much sun can be harmful to its health. Conversely, inadequate light can cause less-than-optimal development.

Water

Tree spurge, a plant native to the Mediterranean, is well-adapted to dry conditions. It requires weekly watering to simulate its natural arid surroundings. The plant is adept at balancing moisture retention and drainage, as it stores water in its tissues during wetter seasons to endure dry spells. Tree spurge is often seen thriving in rocky outdoor landscapes.

Temperature

Tree spurge originates from habitats with temperatures ranging from 59 to 100.4 °F (15 to 38 ℃). It favors these warmer temperatures. Depending on the season, adjustments may be required to meet these conditions.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Tree spurge in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves its overall health, leading to vigorous growth, greater resilience to harsh conditions, and increased resistance to diseases and pests. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule to ensure foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush in appearance.

Pruning

Tree spurge is an evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage and sap. To ensure its health and shape, it's best to prune it in early spring. During pruning, remove any dead branches and make sure there is adequate airflow through the shrub. This not only enhances flowering but also reduces the risk of disease, allowing the tree spurge to thrive with proper care.

Pot & Repot

When repotting Tree spurge, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger that has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and keep it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Euphorbia
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
2.13 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green, Blue, Red, Orange
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Montenegro, Albania, Algeria, Greece, Croatia, Morocco, France
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Woody spurge en Tree spurge en Woody Euphorbia en Tree Euphorbia ar فرفیون درختی، خار درخت
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Tree spurge to ensure it remains healthy?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. When watering, avoid spraying the leaves directly and be aware that outdoor plants in direct sunlight may require more water for the leaves. Consider using bubblers to moisten the roots of each plant or soaker hoses to cover the entire garden or bed. Make sure to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level will help prevent diseases. On sunny days, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is potted or in the ground, keep in mind that tree spurge prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why is it necessary to fertilize my Tree spurge?

If you own a Tree spurge, regardless of the type, regular fertilization is important for its overall health. Providing the right nutrients will promote strong growth and make it more resistant to harsh conditions, diseases, and pests. Since the foliage of your Tree spurge is its main attraction, it's crucial to keep it well-maintained. This involves following a fertilization schedule specifically designed for your Tree spurge to ensure it develops vibrant and lush leaves.

What are the sunlight requirements for Tree Spurge?

Tree Spurge (Euphorbia dendroides) thrives in conditions where it can receive ample sun exposure throughout the day, which fosters robust growth. For optimal development, it requires full sun, defined as above 6 hours of sunlight daily, or partial sun, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. However, be mindful of the sunlight's movement through your garden to ensure that your plants receive the perfect balance of light and shade, guaranteeing their health and happiness.

What is the native temperature range for Tree Spurge?

Tree spurge, also known by its botanical name Euphorbia dendroides, thrives in native environments where temperatures range between 59 to 100.4 °F (15 to 38 °C). These warmer temperatures are preferred by the plant, and depending on the season, it may be necessary to adjust care to meet these temperature requirements.

What do I need to do if I give Tree spurge too much or too little water?

An overwatered Tree spurge can show signs of yellowing, dropping leaves, and wilting. The plant may appear dull and unhealthy with mushy stems. Adjusting your watering schedule is recommended when these signs appear. Wilting can also indicate under watering, with leaves becoming crispy and dry. Overwatered leaves, on the other hand, will be soft and wilted. Check the soil for dryness and if watering alone is insufficient, give the plant a thorough watering. This will help the Tree spurge recover, although it may still have dryness and yellowing leaves due to damage to the root system. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will stop. When keeping the Tree spurge indoors, regularly check the moisture level of the pot and avoid overwatering. Look out for black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so consider transferring the plant to a different pot if discolored and slimy roots are observed. It is important to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting the Tree spurge outdoors, ensure the soil is adequately hydrated by checking its dryness with your fingers. If the soil is too dry, it may indicate under watering, and appropriate watering is necessary to help the plant recover.

When should I fertilize my Tree spurge?

To ensure healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize your Tree spurge during late winter or early spring. This gives the plant the necessary nutrients to thrive once the weather warms up. In warm climate regions, it can be beneficial to provide an extra fertilizer feeding in early fall. This not only adds nutrients for the upcoming growing season but also helps the plant endure the winter without leaf damage. Fertilizing earlier will help the new branches grow stronger to withstand the cold.

What kind of lighting is essential for Tree Spurge?

Tree Spurge needs significant sunlight exposure to flourish. In circumstances where natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in darker areas, artificial lighting becomes critical. Indoor plants benefit from artificial lights such as LEDs that can provide customized wavelengths, essential for their growth. For full sun plants, about 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is needed, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight and be on for 8-12 hours per day, depending on the species’ needs.

Does Tree Spurge have any cold tolerance?

Tree spurge exhibits some cold tolerance and generally doesn't require additional measures when temperatures are above -5°C. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below -5°C, temporary measures for cold protection should be taken. This can include wrapping the plant with materials like plastic film, fabric, or other suitable covers. Once temperatures rise again, these protective measures should be promptly removed.

How often do I need to water my Tree spurge?

The Tree spurge prefers deep and infrequent watering. When they are in pots, it is important to soak them in a gallon of water each time because pots have limited water storage and the soil dries out quickly. In cold regions, watering is needed every 3 to 5 days. Water the plant early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors. Check the soil inside to see if watering is necessary - if the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it's time to water the plant. During hot days, check the moisture daily as the heat can dry out the soil rapidly. If you have a garden, irrigation of the soil is necessary. In hot climates, water the plants once a week. Only water the plants when you notice that about 2 to 3 inches of soil become too dry indoors or outdoors. Consider the amount of rainfall and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Tree spurge generally grows in the spring and fall. When planted outdoors, apply mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to help conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to its fast drainage, while clay soil needs less water and can go for 2-3 days without drying out the plant or causing root rot. Keep track of your watering schedule and pay attention to drooping leaves, which may indicate that the plant needs water.

When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Tree spurge plant?

Avoid fertilizing your Tree spurge during certain times of the year. Firstly, during the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and does not require feeding. Additionally, it is not recommended to fertilize during late spring and summer, as the hotter and drier weather can negatively affect the plant's response to fertilizer. To prevent any issues, adhere to a fertilization schedule that only includes feeding in early spring and early fall.

What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Tree Spurge?

Tree Spurge shows various symptoms when it suffers from insufficient light, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf dropping, slower or halted growth, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Direct overexposure can also cause issues such as sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, leaf scorching, and chlorosis, indicating that while the plant thrives in sunlight, both insufficient and excessive exposures can cause health problems.

How should you care for Tree Spurge in low temperatures?

Tree spurge has a moderate tolerance to low temperatures, thriving best when temperatures are above 15°C. During winter, it's crucial to keep the plant above -5°C. If the temperature falls below -10°C, leaves may start to droop, which can lead to wilting and eventual loss in severe cases. To protect the plant, trim the frost-damaged parts. Before the next low-temperature event, wrap the plant with non-woven fabric or cloth and erect a wind barrier to shield it from cold winds.

PLATES
Euphorbia dendroides leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Euphorbia dendroides leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Euphorbia dendroides flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Euphorbia dendroides flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Euphorbia dendroides fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Euphorbia dendroides fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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