Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mottled spurge
BeginnerEuphorbia lactea
A cactus-like columnar Euphorbia with paired short spines on its ridges and white-marbled green stems. Many garden forms exist, including the pale 'White Ghost' and the crested 'Cristata'.
About
Euphorbia lactea is a succulent spurge native to arid and subtropical South Asia, mainly the Indian subcontinent. It looks like a cactus, but its spines stand in pairs along the ridges and cut stems bleed white latex, marking it as a Euphorbia. In habitat it becomes a shrub up to 5 m tall, with fleshy branches 3–5 cm thick, triangular or rhombic in cross-section, bearing short spines up to 5 mm. Small leaves appear in summer but soon fall, so it is usually leafless. The green stems are marbled with white; the name means 'milky', after the sap. It rarely flowers. It is planted as hedging in the tropics, and potted plants are usually kept at 30–60 cm. Many garden forms exist, notably the fan-shaped crested 'Cristata' (sold in Japan as 'shunpo') and the pale, upright 'White Ghost', which is sensitive to direct sun. Japanese references class it as a summer grower; it is frost-tender and should be kept indoors in winter. In Japan it is a staple columnar euphorbia, sold in huge numbers as the species, the pale form and grafted crests.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Mottled spurge
The Mottled spurge grows to Up to 5 m in habitat (usually 30–60 cm in pots).
Basic Info
Origin
South Asia (mainly the Indian subcontinent)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Up to 5 m in habitat (usually 30–60 cm in pots)
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grows in sun to part shade. The pale 'White Ghost' is sensitive to direct sun, so give it bright part shade.
Watering
A summer grower. It hates wet soil, so ensure good drainage; in summer water regularly so the mix does not dry out completely, and cut back in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
Not frost-hardy; a Japanese reference gives 5°C as its limit, so keep it in a bright room in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix, and choose a stable pot as tall plants can topple.
Propagation
Propagate from cuttings: let the latex stop and the cut dry well before inserting. Crested and pale forms are often grafted onto a rootstock.
Pests & Cautions
The white latex from cuts is toxic: it irritates skin and can cause severe eye inflammation. Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning or repotting, and keep the plant away from children and pets.
Mottled spurge FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Mottled spurge?
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 large does Mottled spurge get?
The mature size of Mottled spurge is Up to 5 m in habitat (usually 30–60 cm in pots). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Mottled spurge?
Mottled spurge: watering & fertilizer — Light feeder. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Mottled spurge?
The price of Mottled spurge 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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (under the listing of succulent Euphorbia spp.). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to transfer plants within Japan. It is not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. An annotation exempts artificially propagated crested, fan-shaped or colour mutants of E. lactea grafted on E. neriifolia rootstock.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia lactea / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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