Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia hirta · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant euphorbia hirta: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Mature size
- 20 to 50 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, pubescent (hairy)
- Flowering
- Year-round in warm climates, spring-summer in temperate climates
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, grow as an annual in cold climates
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, undemanding
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter or during dry periods. This plant tolerates short dry spells but prefers moderate and consistent moisture.
Light exposure
Place the hairy spurge in a sunny or partially shaded location. It develops best with at least a few hours of direct light per day. Indoors, prefer a bright windowsill.
Soil
Use a well-draining, light and fertile substrate. A mixture of universal potting soil with a little sand or perlite works perfectly. Avoid heavy and compact soils that retain too much water.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce applications in autumn and stop in winter. Underfeeding is preferable to excess.
Pruning
Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. You can also trim overly long or bare stems in spring to promote a more compact and branched shape.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, particularly in dry environments. Excess moisture can promote root rot. Ensure good air circulation and remove diseased parts as soon as they appear.
Did you know?
Euphorbia hirta is known by the folksy nickname of 'herb of misfortune' in some regions, a name that reflects both its remarkable hardiness and its potentially irritating white latex, characteristic of Euphorbiaceae. In traditional Asian and African medicine, it has long been used for various folk remedies, although its properties remain poorly studied scientifically.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.