Plant Care Gopher Spurge

Gopher Spurge

Also known as

Caper Spurge, Caper Spurge, Paper spurge, Gopher spurge, Gopher plant and Mole plant

Taxonomy

Euphorbia lathyris
Euphorbia
Euphorbiaceae
Malpighiales

How to care for Gopher Spurge

💦 Water

How often to water your Gopher Spurge

Water needs for Gopher Spurge
0.5 cups
every 12

Gopher Spurge needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Gopher Spurge

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Caper Spurge in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Gopher Spurge: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Gopher Spurge love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Gopher Spurge does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Gopher Spurge in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Gopher Spurge

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Gopher Spurge: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Gopher Spurge after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Gopher Spurge is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

Benefits of Growing Caper Spurge →

Common Caper Spurge Problems →


💦 Water Needs

Gopher Spurge thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Caper Spurge Water Frequency →

Caper Spurge Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Gopher Spurge requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Caper Spurge Light Requirements →

Caper Spurge Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Gopher Spurge is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Gopher Spurge is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Caper Spurge Toxicity to Cats →

Caper Spurge Toxicity to Dogs →

Caper Spurge Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Gopher Spurge enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Caper Spurge Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Gopher Spurge is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Caper Spurge →

When and How to Successfully Repot Caper Spurge →


💩 Fertilizer

Gopher Spurge grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Caper Spurge →


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Gopher Spurge to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Gopher Spurge is native to Worldwide.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Gopher Spurge grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

How and When to Prune Caper Spurge →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Gopher Spurge can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 1a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Caper Spurge Temperature Tolerance →


🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Gopher Spurge can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

How to Propagate Caper Spurge →


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Gopher Spurge

Gopher Spurge

Gopher Spurge


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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