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Round Milkball (Euphorbia globosa)

Euphorbia globosa, the Round Milkball, is a South African succulent known for its globular, branching stems and small, inconspicuous flowers.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright

Watering

Infrequent

Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix

Temperature

Moderate

Habitat

Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low

Care Requirements

Light

Bright

Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct sun but avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch the plant.

Watering

Infrequent

Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix

Temperature

Moderate

Thrives in average room temperatures (18-24°C). Protect from frost; temperatures below 10°C are not recommended.

Habitat

Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizing

Low

Feed sparingly during the growing season with a diluted succulent fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Indoor, Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.2-0.3 m

Spread

0.3-0.5 m

Growth Rate

Slow

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Type

Succulent

Flower Size

small

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Synonyms
Dactylanthes globosa Haw.
Euphorbia glomerata A.Berger
Medusea globosa (Haw.) Klotzsch & Garcke
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderMalpighiales
  • familyEuphorbiaceae
  • genusEuphorbia
  • speciesEuphorbia globosa
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 6/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 6/5

Edible

No

Contains a toxic milky latex that can cause skin irritation and is harmful if ingested.

Additional Care Tips

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, ensuring excess water drains away. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Prune to maintain shape or remove damaged parts. Use a sharp, clean knife or shears. Allow the cut to callus over before replanting if propagating. Pruning is generally minimal for this species as it has a compact growth habit.

Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots form. Can also be propagated from offsets or seeds, though cuttings are most common.

Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with drainage holes. Repot in spring before active growth begins.

FAQs

What are the watering needs of Euphorbia globosa?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but allow it to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

What type of soil is best for Euphorbia globosa?

It requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent root rot.

Does Euphorbia globosa need direct sunlight?

It prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the plant, especially in hot climates.

Is Euphorbia globosa toxic?

Yes, the milky white sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. Handle with care and keep away from pets and children.

How do you propagate Euphorbia globosa?

Propagation is typically done by stem cuttings, which should be allowed to callus over before planting in well-draining soil.