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
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.
Water 0.5 cups every
12
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Caper Spurge in your home
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
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.
FAQs
Gopher Spurge is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
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.
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 🏡.
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.
Humidity
Gopher Spurge prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
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!
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!
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.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Gopher Spurge can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 1a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
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.
Care Summary for 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.
