How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia Lactea White Ghost

The Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ is a highly prized succulent, admired for its architectural form and striking, ghostly white coloration. Its branching, triangular stems give it a cactus-like appearance, though it belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant’s unique color is due to a near-total lack of chlorophyll. As a slow-growing specimen, it makes a compelling and unusual addition to an indoor plant collection, reaching a height of one to three feet in a container.

Caring for Your White Ghost Euphorbia

Light

Proper lighting is needed to maintain the pale appearance of the White Ghost. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near a window with several hours of gentle morning sun. Too much intense, direct afternoon sun can scorch the plant’s sensitive stems. If you notice your plant becoming pale or stretching, it is an indication that it needs more light. If a White Ghost does not receive enough light, it may produce more green tissue and lose its signature white color.

Soil

A well-draining soil mix is required for a healthy Euphorbia lactea, as standard potting soil retains too much moisture and can lead to root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is a good choice. You can also create your own by combining one part potting soil with one part perlite and one part coarse sand to create a gritty medium that prevents water from lingering. Terracotta pots are also a good option, as their porous nature helps the soil dry out more evenly.

Water

Overwatering is the most common reason this plant fails, as the White Ghost is extremely sensitive to excess moisture. Use the “soak and dry” method: water the plant thoroughly, let the excess drain completely, and then wait for the soil to dry out entirely before watering again. During the spring and summer growing season, water every two to three weeks. In winter dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or less. Wrinkled stems are a sign of thirst.

Temperature and Humidity

This succulent prefers warm household conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from freezing temperatures. The White Ghost is well-suited to indoor growing and does well in low to average household humidity. Misting is not necessary and can contribute to fungal issues without good air circulation.

Fertilizer

The White Ghost is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer applied once during the spring growing season is sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to root burn, so it is better to provide too little than too much.

Propagating the White Ghost

New White Ghost plants are created using stem cuttings. Using a clean, sharp knife, take a cutting at least four to six inches long from a healthy arm of the plant. Immediately rinse the cut end of the cutting and the wound on the parent plant with cool water to stop the flow of sap.

Set the cutting aside in a dry, well-ventilated area for several days to two weeks. This allows the cut surface to dry and form a callus, which prevents rot. Once the callus has formed, plant the cutting one to two inches deep into a pot with a fast-draining soil mix. Wait for roots to develop, which can take several weeks, before beginning a regular watering schedule.

Common Problems and Solutions

The primary issue affecting the White Ghost is root rot, with signs including a mushy, yellowing, or browning base and wilting stems. If rot is suspected, repot the plant into fresh, dry soil and remove any affected roots. Pink or yellow tinges on the stems can be a sign of stress from temperature fluctuations. Pests are not frequent, but mealybugs and spider mites can appear. Mealybugs look like small white cottony spots and can be removed by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Toxicity and Handling Safety

All parts of Euphorbia lactea are poisonous and contain a milky white sap known as latex. This sap is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling, pruning, or repotting the plant to avoid contact with the sap.

Accidental skin exposure can cause painful irritation and should be washed immediately with soap and water. If the sap contacts the eyes, it can cause inflammation, pain, redness, and blurred vision, requiring prompt medical attention. Due to its toxicity, keep the White Ghost out of reach of children and pets.