Euphorbia meloformis
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Euphorbia meloformis

Melon spurge

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–11
Click count
31
Observations
52

Description

Source: leafsnap

Euphorbia meloformis, called the melon spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Euphorbia, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. A succulent, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Melon spurge is well-adapted to arid conditions and demonstrates high drought tolerance by storing water in its tissues. To care for this plant, water it every three weeks, but only when the soil is completely dry. It prefers lower humidity levels, making it ideal for indoor environments. Ensure the plant receives plenty of light, but be cautious to avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.

☀️ Light Full sun

Melon spurge, native to dry regions, flourishes in full sun; its native habitat is marked by intense sunlight and scarce shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, providing some flexibility in its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Melon spurge originates from habitats where temperatures usually range from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). This plant copes with seasonal temperature shifts and prospers in temperate conditions. Adjust conditions as needed to keep temperatures within this range.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Melon spurge only requires light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Use less fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Repot Melon spurge in warmer months, choosing a container only slightly bigger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Handle the roots and caudex carefully during repotting. After repotting, wait about a week before watering to help prevent root rot. Place the plant in a sunny location for optimal growth.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Euphorbia
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Spread
49 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (4)

Common Names (1)

en Melon spurge