Resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera)

Also known as: Gun euphorbium, Darkmous, Poisonous gum-thistle, African spurge

Resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera), native to the forested regions of Morocco, is exceptionally easy to cultivate and thrives in a variety of soil conditions, including dry and nutrient-poor soils. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for a houseplant. However, caution is advised when handling, as it can cause skin irritation.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Resin spurge

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Gold

Images of Resin spurge

Quickly Identify Resin spurge

Mound-like shape, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) wide.

Upright blue-green stems with brown spines, forming dense clusters.

Small, bright yellow flowers in clusters on stem tips, 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.

Dry, dehiscent fruit, under 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) with few cells, splitting to release seeds.

Erect succulent stem, four-angled with sharp 0.24-inch (0.6 cm) spines spaced 0.39 inches (1 cm) apart.

Scientific Classification of Resin spurge

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Malpighiales

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Resin spurge

Planting and Growing of Resin spurge

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every day

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Resin spurge?

Euphorbia resinifera prefers minimal watering. It's essential to water this plant only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so aim for about 50 milliliters per session and ensure the drainage is exceptional.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Resin spurge? ›

What should I do if my Resin spurge is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Resin spurge? ›

How to save an overwatered Resin spurge? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Resin spurge?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: Six to eight hours

Euphorbia resinifera thrives in full sun, ideally with six to eight hours of light. Optimal light promotes vigorous growth, enhanced coloration, and ensures its structural integrity and resilience.

Optimal sunlight duration ›

Solutions for optimal light ›

Benefits of ideal lighting ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Resin spurge?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 85℉

The ideal temperature range for Euphorbia resinifera is between 70°F and 85°F. This temperature range supports optimal growth and encourages healthy development. These conditions mimic the natural environment of the plant, ensuring that it receives the right amount of warmth to thrive.

What Soil is Best for Resin spurge?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Euphorbia resinifera thrives in well-drained soil, preventing root rot by allowing excess moisture to escape. This condition mimics its natural habitat, ensuring healthy growth. Adapting to nutrient-poor soil, this plant doesn't require much fertilization. It grows well even where organic content is low, depicting its resilient nature in arid environments. Preferring slightly alkaline soil within a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, Euphorbia resinifera tends to thrive in conditions that mimic its native Moroccan terrain, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.

How to Fertilize Resin spurge?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Euphorbia resinifera, a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength is ideal. Use approximately 10 ml of liquid fertilizer per liter of water or 5 approximately grams of slow-release fertilizer per plant. Ensure it's well mixed and evenly distributed.

How to Prune Resin spurge?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin with sterilized, sharp pruning shears to prevent infection. Carefully examine the plant structure to plan your cuts, ensuring you target areas that need shaping or have damaged tissue. Focus on removing any dead or damaged stems first. Carefully clip these back to the base without damaging the surrounding healthy growth. Pay attention to symmetry to encourage an even, attractive shape. Trim back longer stems to a node to stimulate branching. This encourages fuller, bushier growth. Be cautious not to over-trim, as this can stress the plant. After pruning, ensure the plant receives appropriate watering and sunlight. Avoid fertilizing immediately after pruning to prevent burn on the newly exposed tissues. Monitor for any signs of sap leakage, which can attract pests.

How to Propagate Resin spurge plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Choose healthy, disease-free stems from the parent plant. Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut at a slight angle. This encourages better rooting and growth.

Place the cut ends of the stems in a dry, warm location for several days to allow them to callous over. This process helps prevent the cuttings from rotting when potted.

Once calloused, plant the cuttings in a pot filled with well-draining soil or cactus mix. Insert them about an inch deep and firm the soil around the base for support.

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How to Repot Resin spurge plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Euphorbia resinifera should be repotted when you notice roots starting to emerge from the drainage holes or when the plant appears top-heavy. Spring or summer repotting is ideal as it coincides with the plant’s active growing season, allowing it to recover more quickly from root disturbance.

Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with sufficient drainage holes. A shallow clay or terracotta pot works well, as it allows moisture to evaporate more easily, preventing root rot. A good rule is to increase pot diameter by no more than 2 inches.

Select a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Adding extra perlite or sand can enhance drainage. This type of soil prevents water retention around the roots, which is crucial as Euphorbia resinifera is prone to root rot if kept overly moist.

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Toxicity of Resin spurge

Is Resin spurge toxic to humans?

Resin spurge presents a moderate toxicity hazard to humans, mainly attributed to the diterpene esters found in its sap. Contact with the sap may trigger allergic reactions upon touch, and accidental ingestion of this substance can lead to more severe health issues. The toxic components of resin spurge are typically not consumed intentionally; however, accidental contact or ingestion can occur. Poisoning symptoms might include skin irritation, redness, and swelling where touched. If ingested, people may experience a painful burning sensation in the mouth, discomfort in the throat, gastrointestinal disturbances, and in severe cases, systemic reactions. It is vital for individuals to exercise caution when handling resin spurge to prevent these negative effects.

Is Resin spurge toxic to cat?

Resin spurge poses a moderate toxicity threat to felines. Cats can encounter the plant's poisonous sap either through direct contact or unintentional ingestion. The key toxic agent present in resin spurge is Diterpene esters, primarily found within the sap. Interaction with resin spurge may lead to symptoms suggesting physical discomfort in cats, although the exact signs can differ. If a cat shows any atypical behavior or symptoms of illness following exposure to resin spurge, it is essential to obtain veterinary assistance promptly to safeguard their health and welfare.

Is Resin spurge toxic to dog?

Resin spurge presents a moderate toxicity risk for dogs. Canines can suffer from poisoning due to skin exposure to the plant's sap or by accidentally ingesting it. Contact with the sap may cause symptoms like irritation at the site of exposure, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. The harmful substances that lead to these adverse reactions are diterpene esters present in the resin spurge sap. If a dog encounters or consumes any portion of resin spurge, it is essential to seek prompt veterinary care to guarantee appropriate treatment and symptom management.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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