Spurge Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore'

Water

The Spurge, specifically the variety Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore', requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out between watering sessions. Water this plant approximately once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water for larger outdoor plants, and 8-16 ounces for smaller indoor pots, depending on the size of the container and the environmental conditions. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, while in the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant goes into dormancy. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Spurge prefers bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. It thrives best in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full, intense afternoon sun, as this can cause the leaves to scorch. An east or west-facing window is ideal for indoor specimens, while in the garden, a spot that gets filtered sunlight under a high canopy or a position with morning sun would be suitable.

Temperature

Spurge grows optimally at a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 85 degrees. It is not frost-tolerant, so if growing outdoors, provide protection from temperatures below 50 degrees. To ensure the health of Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore', avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning Spurge is typically done to remove spent flowers and shape the plant. Prune Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore' immediately after flowering, usually in late summer to encourage branching and maintain its desirable form. Use gloves when pruning, as the plant's sap can be irritating to skin and eyes. You may also cut back any damaged or diseased stems as needed to maintain the plant's health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore', commonly known as Spurge, thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix recipe includes equal parts of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice to ensure proper aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Spurge should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a slightly larger pot each time to prevent overcrowding, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Spurge prefers moderate to low humidity levels, typical of indoor household environments, without the need for any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Spurge in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant Spurge in full sun to partial shade; water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore', commonly known as Spurge, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, provided they are sown in well-drained soil and have enough warmth and light. The seedlings emerge and grow throughout the spring and summer, developing a deep taproot and a rosette of leaves. As a perennial, the plant matures in its second year, forming an upright, bushy clump of foliage and then flowering in late spring to early summer. The characteristic inflorescences, which consist of cyathia (specialized floral structures unique to Euphorbia), are surrounded by showy, colorful bracts that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seed capsules that burst open when ripe, dispersing seeds for new growth. In the autumn, Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore' may die back to the ground in colder climates, with its root system surviving underground to sprout anew come spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore', commonly known as a spurge, is most effectively propagated using cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 5-inch (approximately 7.5-12.5 cm) portion with a sharp, clean knife or secateurs. Allow the cut end of the stem to callous over for a day before planting to reduce the risk of infection. Dip the calloused end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moderately moist and the cutting in a warm, but not hot, location with filtered sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Euphorbia 'Abbey Dore' can be gradually acclimatized to its typical growing conditions.