Euphorbia lactea
Also known as: Mottled spurge, dragon bones
Dragon bones: dark three-ribbed stems marbled with white zigzag lines. It belongs to the Euphorbia genus, comes from India (garden origin), stays around 1–3 m; also crested forms, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Euphorbia
- Origin: India (garden origin)
- Mature size: 1–3 m; also crested forms
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Milky sap irritant; toxic if eaten
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Origin
- India (garden origin)
- Mature size
- 1–3 m; also crested forms
- Growth habit
- Three-ribbed dark stems with white marbling; famous crested 'coral' form
- Leaf colour
- Deep green with white zigzag marbling along the ribs
- Flower colour
- Small (rare indoors)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Milky sap irritant; toxic if eaten
- Other names
- Mottled spurge, dragon bones
About the Euphorbia lactea
Dragon bones: dark three-ribbed stems marbled with white zigzag lines. The crested 'white ghost' fan form is a collector's centrepiece. All the euphorbia sap warnings apply — gloves and eye protection.
Care and cultivation
Euphorbias look like cacti but are unrelated and hate cactus-style neglect in winter. Give them bright light, a gritty mix, and a completely dry, cool winter rest. Always wear gloves when cutting: the latex sap irritates skin and eyes. Keep away from pets and children. Light: Bright light with direct sun. Water: Every 2–3 weeks in growth; dry in winter. Use a Gritty succulent mix.
Description
Euphorbia lactea is an Euphorbia succulent from India (garden origin). Dragon bones: dark three-ribbed stems marbled with white zigzag lines. The crested 'white ghost' fan form is a collector's centrepiece. All the euphorbia sap warnings apply — gloves and eye protection.
Identification
Look for: Deep green with white zigzag marbling along the ribs leaves in a 1–3 m; also crested forms form. Also answers to Mottled spurge, dragon bones. The genus is Euphorbia, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Dragon bones'.
Common problems
Milky sap is a skin and eye irritant — wear gloves and eye protection • Rot in winter wet • Spider mites in dry indoor air •
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Euphorbia lactea?
Every 2–3 weeks in growth; dry in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Euphorbia lactea need?
Bright light with direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Euphorbia lactea, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.