🔴 Euphorbia lactea – Mottled Spurge / افوربیا لیکٹیہ

 Euphorbia lactea – Mottled Spurge / افوربیا لیکٹیہ

– Unique, sculptural cactus-like form, – Bold contrasting colors: green with white or creamy marbling, – Thrives in heat, drought, and containers

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🌿 Botanical Name: Euphorbia lactea (yoo-FOR-bee-uh LAK-tee-uh)
🌿 Family: Euphorbiaceae (yoo-FOR-bee-ay-see-ee) ,

🧊 Hardiness Zone (USA): 10–11
📏 Height: 3–6 ft as a shrub; taller when grafted or trained

Bagh e Jinnah- Lahore

🍃 Foliage: Technically a succulent stem, not leaves. Triangular green branches with white veins and spiny ridges
Evergreen and striking throughout the year

🌺 Flowering Period (Lahore/Punjab):
Very rare flowering; small, insignificant cyathia may appear occasionally

🌸 Companion Plants:

• Opuntia ficus-indica

• Aloe vera

• Agave americana

• Portulaca grandiflora

• Sansevieria trifasciata

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🏡 Garden Usage:

• Ideal for dry gardens, rockeries, desert landscapes

• Grows well in large pots and balconies

• Excellent as a focal point in succulent arrangements

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🍈 Fruition:
Rarely fruits. Primarily grown for its dramatic stem structure

🌱 Soil:
Needs well-draining cactus mix or sandy loam

⚖️ pH Value:
Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

💧 Water: Low water requirement. Allow soil to fully dry out between watering
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in Lahore's hot, dry conditions
Should be protected from frost or cold snaps in winter

☀️ Location Preference (sun or shade):
Full sun to partial sun. Needs bright light for vibrant color

🌾 Propagation: Via stem cuttings, allow cut end to dry and callous before planting

🐛 Pesticides: Generally pest-free. Watch for mealybugs in container plants

🌻 Fertilizers: Use balanced diluted fertilizer once a month in active growth (spring–summer)

🦋 Attractiveness to Wildlife:
Not particularly attractive to wildlife. Be cautious—latex sap is toxic to pets and humans. (latex- a milky fluid or emulsion- a defence mechanism and source of natural rubber)

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🌿 Special Note – Growth in Lahore:
Euphorbia lactea thrives well in Lahore’s hot, semi-arid climate. Ensure well-drained soil and avoid water retention. A favorite for low-maintenance gardens, it adds architectural beauty with minimal care.

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🌵 Let your garden stand out with the sculptural charm of Euphorbia lactea — bold, resilient, and effortlessly artistic.