The term *Euphorbia* covers a huge family of plants often known as spurges. Thanks to their cool, exotic looks, quite a few of them have become absolute favorites for indoor gardeners. If you’re looking to add some architectural flair to your home, here’s everything you need to know about bringing these beauties inside.
Growing Euphorbia as a Houseplant
Most spurges are big fans of warmth and definitely don’t play well with frosty temperatures. This makes a sunny spot inside your home the perfect place for them to thrive. Some varieties can even handle direct sunlight and that intense midday heat, which makes finding the right “plant parent” spot in your living room a breeze. Plus, Euphorbias are generally famous for being low-maintenance. If you’re the type of gardener who occasionally forgets where you put the watering can, these are the plants for you! You can find them at almost any garden center, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even propagate them yourself.
It’s All About the Species
While all spurges share some family traits, the little differences between species can actually change how you care for them. For example, some types love staying in a sunny window all year long, while others prefer a “rest period” in a shadier, cooler spot during the winter. It’s a great idea to double-check exactly which species you’ve brought home so you can give it exactly what it needs to stay happy.
Handling Your Euphorbia Safely
There is one important thing to keep in mind: the milky sap inside these plants is toxic. You’ll want to be especially careful when pruning or cutting the plant—wearing a good pair of gloves is a must. If you do happen to get some sap on your skin, wash it off thoroughly and quickly, as it can cause nasty skin irritation or even poisoning. In some cases, the sap has even been linked to promoting tumor growth, so it’s definitely not something to mess around with.
Keep in mind that this sap can leak out even if the plant just gets a tiny scratch. Because of this, a Euphorbia sitting in an easy-to-reach spot can be a hazard for curious toddlers or pets. If you have a cat that loves to climb and nibble, you might want to think twice before adding one of these to your collection.
Quick Tips for Indoor Euphorbias:
- Euphorbias are super popular choices for indoor decor.
- Some of the most famous family members include the Poinsettia, the African Milk Tree, and the Cathedral Cactus.
- Specific care needs can vary depending on the exact species.
- Do a little homework to find out exactly which variety you have.
- Generally, a bright, sunny spot is the way to go.
- Be careful with the sap! It’s toxic and can leak out from even minor damage to the plant.
