Euphorbia ceratocarpa

Autumn-Winter · Indoors

Keep dry during dormancy

Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.

Autumn - late · Outdoors

Apply a protective mulch

Protect the crown of the plant in winter in areas that are prone to frost and cold. For short term protection a fleece can be used, otherwise fill mesh sacks with masses of straw and secure them over the plant's crown.

The 'traditional method' is to put wire or other netting over the plant, layer plenty of straw on top of this and then secure the whole with more netting.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed

Give a standard liquid houseplant feed that is low in nitrogen from May to October.

Nitrogen can encourage lush or soft growth which is inappropriate for plants that grow naturally on poor or arid soil.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water lightly in growth

Water lightly while plant is in growth.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Compost · Planting

Loam based compost + grit for repotting

Use a free draining loam based compost rather than one which has been modified to be 'moisture retentive'.

Alternatively prepare a compost using three parts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3) to one part of (horticultural) sand or fine (horticultural) grit.

Indoor temperature · Planting

12C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 12 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).