White Ghost Euphorbia

ℹ️ Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'

📝 COMMON NAMES:
White Ghost Cactus, White Ghost Cactus, Dragon Bones

The Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' is a striking succulent with white to pale green stems, giving it a ghostly appearance. Often referred to as the White Ghost Cactus, this plant is a rare variety of Euphorbia lactea. Its lack of chlorophyll results in its unique coloration. It's an intriguing addition to any succulent collection or garden.

☠️ Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans (contains latex that can be irritating)
💨 Air-purifying Qualities: Not specifically known for air-purifying qualities
👍 Difficulty Level: Moderate

☀️ Direct Sunlight ☀️ Drought-Tolerant ☠️ Toxic ⛅ Bright Indirect Light ✅ Low-Maintenance 🌱 Terrestrial 🌳 Large Plant 🌵 Succulents 🌼 Patio 👶 Beginner Difficulty 👻 Pale Foliage 💨 Low Humidity 🚿 Infrequent Watering 🛋 Living Room 🪴 Potted

White Ghost Cactus Care 101

Water

Water the White Ghost sparingly. This succulent prefers to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue with succulents. Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. During dormant winter months, water even less frequently, ensuring the soil is mostly dry.

Light

The White Ghost Euphorbia thrives in full sun to partial shade. If kept indoors, it requires a bright location, ideally near a south or west-facing window. If the plant starts to stretch or appears leggy, it might need more sunlight. However, gradually introduce it to brighter conditions to avoid potential sunburn.

Temperature

This plant prefers temperatures between 50-80°F (10-27°C). It's tolerant of heat but should be protected from frost. Low to moderate humidity levels are ideal, and the plant does not require misting. If kept outdoors, consider bringing it inside during colder months or if frost is anticipated.

Fertilizer

Feed the White Ghost Euphorbia with a cactus or succulent fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during its active growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant. Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn. During the dormant winter months, you can skip feeding or reduce frequency.

Care and Maintenance

🌱 Soil Type and pH: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
💦 Humidity and Misting: Low to moderate humidity; misting not necessary
✂️ Pruning: To shape or remove damaged growth
🧼 Cleaning: Wipe with a soft cloth if dusty
🪴 Repotting: When roots become crowded; use caution due to latex sap
🔄 Repotting Frequency: Every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot
❄️ Seasonal Changes in Care: Reduced watering in winter

FULL CARE GUIDE

Growing Characteristics

💥 Growth Speed: Slow to moderate
🔄 Life Cycle: Perennial
💥 Bloom Time: N/A
🌍 Hardiness Zones: 10-11
🗺️ Native Area: Cultivated variety; parent species is native to India
🛌 Hibernation: No

Propagation and Health

📍 Suitable Locations: Indoors, patios, gardens
🌱 Propagation Methods: Stem cuttings (use caution due to irritating sap)
🐛 Common Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs
🦠 Possible Diseases: Root rot if overwatered

Plant Details

🌴 Plant Type: Succulent
🍃 Foliage Type: Evergreen
🌿 Color of Leaves: White to pale green
🌸 Flower Color: N/A
🌸 Blooming: Rarely blooms
🍪 Edibility: Not edible
📏 Mature Size: Up to 5 feet in height

Taxonomy

👑 Kingdom: Plantae
🎖️ Division: Angiosperms
🏫 Class: Eudicots
📜 Order: Malpighiales
👪 Family: Euphorbiaceae
🌿 Genus: Euphorbia
🔬 Species: E. lactea 'White Ghost'

Additional Info

🌻 General Benefits: Aesthetic appeal due to its unique color
⚕️ Medical Properties: None known
☯️ Feng Shui: Represents uniqueness and mystery
✨ Zodiac Sign Compatibility: Scorpio
🍀 Symbolism or Folklore: Often associated with mystery due to its ghostly appearance
📖 Interesting Facts: Its white coloration is a result of lacking chlorophyll