Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for Euphorbia serpens. In winter, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Also known as Creeping Spurge · Matted Broomspurge · Matted Sandmat
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Euphorbia serpens is a low-growing succulent with tiny, white, star-shaped flowers. It forms a dense mat, making it an excellent groundcover for dry, sunny locations.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light or a few hours of direct morning sun.
Drought Tolerant
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Well-draining soil
50% intensity
Average to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate slightly cooler in winter if dry.
Low Feeder
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Irritant sap
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for Euphorbia serpens. In winter, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Prune to maintain shape and control size. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. You can also prune to encourage bushier growth. Wear gloves, as the sap can be irritating.
Pruning is best done in spring before active growth begins.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 cm cuttings in spring or summer. Allow the cuttings to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Roots will form within a few weeks in warm conditions.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Euphorbia Serpens (Euphorbia serpens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Species | Euphorbia serpens |
Similar in genus Euphorbia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
