White Ghost (E. lactea)

by Razakiel Bane
Euphorbia Lactea White Ghost Cactus
By Sihu alex – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86381105
Arcadia Garden Products Live White Ghost Cactus Variegated Dragon Bone Indoor Houseplant In Plastic Pot, Euphorbia Lactea Candelabra Succulent Plant Gift For Home And Garden Decor, 4-Inch.
Arcadia Garden Products Live White Ghost Cactus Variegated Dragon Bone Indoor Houseplant in Plastic Pot, Euphorbia lactea Candelabra Succulent Plant Gift for Home and Garden Decor, 4-inch.
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Fundamental White Ghost (E. lactea) Facts

Scientific NameEuphorbia lactea "White Ghost"
Common AliasesWhite Ghost, White Ghost Cactus, Dragon Bones, White Ghost Candle-stick Tree, and White Ghost Candelabra Spurge
Pet Safe?No
ToxicityThe sap can cause skin irritation, burns, and gastrointestinal issues if ingested by humans, cats, dogs, or other animals
USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 11
Beneficial Species PairingsAloe, Agave, and other Euphorbia spp.
Growth RateSlow to moderate
Mature SizeCan grow up to 5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide indoors; up to 10 feet tall outdoors

White Ghost (E. lactea) Care Requirements

Light RequirementsDirect sunlight for 4-6 each day
Temperature Range50-80°F (10-27°C)
Repotting FrequencyRepot every 2-3 years to replenish soil, or when the plant outgrows its pot
Soil TypeWell-draining cactus/succulent soil mixed with pumice (or coarse builder's sand) and zeolite
Soil pH6.1 to 7.5 (neutral to mildly acidic)
Preferred Humidity LevelLow
Watering FrequencyWater sparingly. Allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Water more frequently during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce water in winter.
Preferred Watering MethodsWater at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the stems, which can lead to rot
Air CirculationEnsure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases
Fertilizer TypesGeneral purpose cactus and succulent fertilizer
Fertilizing FrequencyFertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). No fertilizing during fall and winter months.
Terrarium Plant?No
Euphorbia Lactea Haw: Unlocking The Magic Of Desert Plants, For Beginners
Euphorbia lactea Haw: Unlocking the Magic of Desert Plants, For Beginners
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White Ghost (E. lactea) Notable Needs

Signs of Dormancy
  • Reduced growth
  • Less frequent need for water
Seasonal Care AdjustmentsReduce watering in winter and protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures
Support RequirementsNone required
Pruning RequirementsOnly prune to remove damaged growth. Always use gloves to protect skin from the toxic sap
Cleaning RequirementsNone
Pests to Watch ForSpider mites and Mealybugs
Potential DiseasesRoot rot if overwatered

White Ghost (E. lactea) Propagation

Propagation by SeedYes
Seed TimingSpring and summer
Seed Steps
  1. Collect seeds from the plant's seed pods once they split open. This happens shortly after the plant has flowered (late spring or summer).
  2. Prepare a seed starting mix of 25% potting soil and 50% pumice or coarse builder's sand, and 25% "classic" sand..
  3. Moisten and fill seed trays with the mixture.
  4. Evenly space the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of the seed starting mix.
  5. Keep the seeds at a warm temperature, around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
  6. Place the trays or pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
  7. Keep the soil lightly moist and not waterlogged or wet.
  8. Check the seeds regularly for signs of germination. This process can take several weeks to several months.
  9. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
  10. Continue to care for the seedlings as you would mature plants.
Propagation by DivisionYes
Division TimingSpring or early summer
Division Steps
  1. Look for offsets (baby plantlets) at the base of the parent plant. They should have their own roots forming.
  2. Carefully twist or cut the offsets away from the parent plant, ensuring you retain as many roots as possible.
  3. Allow the raw cut ends to callous over for a day or two to prevent rot.
  4. Prepare a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix with pumice (or coarse builder's sand) and zeolite for mineral exchange.
  5. Plant the offsets in individual pots and firm the soil around the base to secure them in place.
  6. Place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light.
  7. Water sparingly. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
  8. Maintain low to moderate humidity around the plant.
  9. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks to a couple of months.
  10. When you see new growth appearing, gradually introduce it to more sunlight and continue to care for the cutting as you would a mature plant.
Propagation by Stem CuttingsYes
Stem Cuttings TimingSpring or early summer
Stem Cuttings Steps
  1. Choose a healthy, mature stem that is free from pests and diseases.
  2. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut below a node, taking a 4-6 inch cutting.
  3. Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for a few days to allow the cut end to callous over. This helps prevent rot when planted.
  4. Prepare a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix with pumice (or coarse builder's sand) and zeolite for mineral exchange.
  5. Insert the calloused end of the cutting into the soil and firm the soil around the base to secure it in place.
  6. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light.
  7. Water sparingly. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
  8. Maintain low to moderate humidity around the plant.
  9. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks to a couple of months.
  10. When you see new growth appearing, gradually introduce it to more sunlight and continue to care for the cutting as you would a mature plant.
Propagation NotesBe patient and maintain the right conditions for successful propagation.

Where to Buy the White Ghost

Bestseller No. 1
Arcadia Garden Products Live White Ghost Cactus Variegated Dragon Bone Indoor Houseplant In Plastic Pot, Euphorbia Lactea Candelabra Succulent Plant Gift For Home And Garden Decor, 4-Inch.
Arcadia Garden Products Live White Ghost Cactus Variegated Dragon Bone Indoor Houseplant in Plastic Pot, Euphorbia lactea Candelabra Succulent Plant Gift for Home and Garden Decor, 4-inch.
Bestseller No. 2
Euphorbia Live Rooted Plant (Euphorbia Ghost)
Euphorbia Live Rooted Plant (Euphorbia Ghost)
$69.00

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