Ghost Euphorbia
Ghost Euphorbia, also known as Ghostfire Plant, Ghost Cactus, Ghost Candelabra or White Ghost, is a long-living succulent generally found in the wild or as a clipped potted plant. It forms multiple branches, each of which is covered with characteristic furry, gray-green leaves criss-crossed with white stripes. The young stems can be deeply red or pink, as if they were kissed by a ghost in the night.
Two waterings a month are usually sufficient for keeping Ghost Euphorbia alive and healthy. More frequent watering may be necessary during the warmer months in order to prevent the leaves from drying out completely. During the cooler fall and winter months, you should only water Ghost Euphorbia when the soil is completely dry.
Ghost Euphorbia does best in bright light, but it will tolerate lower light conditions, albeit at the cost of growing more slowly, or not growing at all. If the indoor lighting is too dim, yellow or leggy stems may start to develop. When kept outdoors, this succulent can take full sun, partial sun or pure shade.
Ghost Euphorbia prefers room temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C). Lower temperatures can weaken the plant, while temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can be deadly. It also doesn't tolerate frost and should be protected from the cold.
Ghost Euphorbia is not one of those plants that require high humidity, so it would do well in any place with average relative humidity. You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity if you notice that the leaves are starting to brown, but only if you keep a close eye on the humidity levels.
Ghost Euphorbia needs well-draining soil, so a cactus/succulent potting mix is ideal. If you are using regular potting soil, make sure to add perlite or pumice to improve the drainage. If you are repotting the plant, make sure to use fresh soil and not the soil from the old pot.
Fertilize your Ghost Euphorbia once a month during the active growing season using a balanced cactus fertilizer. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, fertilizing can be reduced to once every two months. Overfertilizing can cause the leaves to yellow, so be sure to follow the fertilizing instructions on the package carefully.
The Ghost Euphorbia is prone to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects and whiteflies. If you see any of these pests on the plant, take immediate action. Isolate the plant from your other houseplants and spray it with diluted alcohol. If possible, use an insecticidal soap solution to treat mites and scales. Regularly examining the plant and treating it for pests is the best way to avoid an infestation.
Like all succulents, Ghost Euphorbia should be repotted every two to three years, or when it is outgrowing its current pot. Repotting should ideally be done in early spring before new growth emerges. Make sure you use a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one, as succulents do best in a slightly snug container.
Ghost Euphorbia does not require much pruning. It can, however, be beneficial to trim off dead or damaged leaves as they appear. If your plant starts to look leggy, it is likely due to insufficient light and should be trimmed back in order to keep it in shape. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears and should be done with care, as some of the leaves contain a milky sap that is toxic.
Mulching is not necessary for Ghost Euphorbia, although it can help to keep the soil moist and to protect the plant from cold temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may want to use a layer of mulch to protect the plant.
You can easily propagate Ghost Euphorbia by separating the offsets as they form, or by taking a stem cutting. To take a stem cutting, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut a piece of the stem off at the base. The cutting should be at least 3 inches long and should contain at least one leaf. Plant the cutting in a cactus/succulent potting mix and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears on the cutting.
Ghost Euphorbia is a fairly bushy plant and does not need any additional support. If necessary, you can use bamboo stakes to help the plant maintain its shape.
Ghost Euphorbia does not have a rest period, but it may slow down its growth rate during the winter months, when temperatures drop. Trimming the plant back during this period may help it maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Yes, Ghost Euphorbia is toxic to animals if ingested. The sap can also be toxic if it enters the eye or comes into contact with the skin, so it should be handled with care.
African Milk Tree
The African Milk Tree, scientifically known as Euphorbia trigona, is a species of succulent plant native to Central America. It's referred to as a 'su...
Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a flowering succulent shrub or small tree native to Madagascar. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental hous...
Coral Cactus
Coral Cactus (Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata'), also known as Ethiopia cactus, is a succulent plant from the family Euphorbiaceae. Very suitable as an int...
Crested Euphorbia
Crested euphorbia, or Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata', is a succulent plant that originates from Southeast Asia and is a member of the family Euphorbiacea...
Devil's Backbone
Euphorbia tithymaloides is a low-growing succulent shrub, native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and West Indies. Devil's Backbone is heat-...
Desert Candle
Desert Candle (Euphorbia acrurensis) is a striking cactus-like succulent that originates from South African deserts. Its thick, finger-like blue-gray...