Euphorbia fulgens, the scarlet plume, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Mexico. Growing to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall by 1 m (3.3 ft) broad, it is a deciduous shrub with long, weeping branches and narrow leaves. In winter orange-red flowers growing in the leaf axils cover the length of the branches.The Latin specific epithet fulgens means “shining, glistening”.It is not hardy, requiring temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F). It must therefore be grown under glass in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Scarlet plume has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity and overwatering. It is also more prone to disease when it receives insufficient light and is overwatered. Regarding care, Scarlet plume is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without watering. It requires little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. This makes it appropriate for people of all experience levels, especially those who prefer to spend less time on plant care and who may occasionally be away from home for extended periods. It is a suitable choice for people who do not want to devote much time to plant maintenance but still want an easy-to-care-for plant.
How to keep Euphorbia Fulgens.
Light
Native to arid regions, Scarlet plume thrives in full sun; its native habitat is defined by intense sunlight and little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in where it can grow.
Temperature
Scarlet plume grows best in warm conditions and needs higher temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic processes. It prefers plenty of sunlight, proper moisture levels, and good air circulation. However, it is vulnerable to harm from very low temperatures and from overwatering. It is also important to maintain a balance and avoid extreme heat or excessively dry conditions.
Fertilizer
For Scarlet plume, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub, Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 0.61 m to 1.22 m
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red, Orange
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter, Spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Spring, Early summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
