Source: Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia decaryi
BeginnerEuphorbia decaryi
A small Madagascan spurge that spreads by creeping rhizomes and bears rosettes of leaves at the stem tips. Its dark red to green leaves are strongly wavy and crisped, turning coppery in summer.
About
Euphorbia decaryi is a small succulent spurge endemic to Madagascar. It grows in dry forest, dry shrubland and rocky areas, and habitat loss has placed it in the IUCN Red List category Endangered. Corky rhizomes creep underground so that the plant spreads horizontally into a mat, with above-ground stems erect or creeping. Narrow succulent leaves gather in rosettes at the stem tips; they are strongly undulate and crisped with raised veins, mixing dark red and green and turning a fine coppery bronze in summer or under stress. The small flowers hang like bells, with yellow cyathia surrounded by beige to soft pink bracts. It is a variable species, and many horticultural selections in the trade have caused confusion; the smaller, slower-growing var. spirosticha is also known. In Japan it is a staple among small caudiciform spurges, widely sold as young plants and divisions through online shops and auction sites.
Basic Info
Origin
Madagascar
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data)
Size
A small plant a few centimetres tall that spreads by rhizomes
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
A potassium-rich succulent fertiliser in summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes bright light but not harsh midsummer sun. Too little light makes stems leggy, and more sun deepens the leaf colour.
Watering
It is more often killed by keeping it too dry. Water well in summer, and even in winter do not let the soil dry out completely so that roots regrow smoothly in spring.
Temperature & Overwintering
Ideal summer temperature is around 25°C; keep it above 15°C in winter. It has survived light frost outdoors, but overwintering indoors is recommended.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mostly mineral mix and a wide, shallow bowl, as it spreads sideways. Repot every 2-4 years.
Propagation
Propagate by division or cuttings: wash off the latex and let cuts dry for about two weeks before planting. Seed loses viability quickly, so sow it fresh.
Pests & Cautions
Like all Euphorbia, its white latex irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves when cutting or repotting and keep it away from eyes and mouth. As an Appendix I species, international trade in wild-collected plants is prohibited, so plants on the Japanese market are mainly seed-raised. Even so, check for a registration certificate before buying or listing.
Euphorbia decaryi FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Euphorbia decaryi?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Euphorbia decaryi?
Euphorbia decaryi: watering & fertilizer — A potassium-rich succulent fertiliser in summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Euphorbia decaryi?
The price of Euphorbia decaryi varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia decaryi
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species
- Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species
- IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Euphorbia decaryi
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Succulents: Euphorbia decaryi
- Wikipedia: Euphorbia decaryi
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix I. International trade is prohibited in principle, and in Japan the species is an "internationally endangered species" under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, so transfers and display or advertising for sale generally require a registration certificate. Check that a certificate exists before buying or listing. The IUCN Red List category is Endangered.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia decaryi / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species / Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Euphorbia decaryi
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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