West Indian Milkwood

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Sapium laurocerasus

Genus

Sapium

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Order

Malpighiales

How to care for West Indian Milkwood

💦 Water

How often to water your West Indian Milkwood

West Indian Milkwood needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 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
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for West Indian Milkwood in your home

West Indian Milkwood may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of West Indian Milkwood in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize West Indian Milkwood

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for West Indian Milkwood: 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 West Indian Milkwood after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

West Indian Milkwood 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. West Indian Milkwood is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
West Indian Milkwood can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🧐 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.