Mediterranean Spurge Plant Care
Echinaria capitata (L.) Desf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Echinaria is a genus of Eurasian and North African plants in the grass family. The only known species is Echinaria capitata, native to the Mediterranean Region as well as the Southwest and Central Asia.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mediterranean Spurge?
Water Mediterranean Spurge every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mediterranean Spurge Native To?
What Is the Mediterranean Spurge?
Mediterranean Spurge (Echinaria capitata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Echinaria genus. Mediterranean Spurge is native to the Mediterranean Region as well as the Southwest and Central Asia.
Mediterranean Spurge displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mediterranean Spurge produces small spikelets in clusters at the top of stems.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mediterranean Spurge?
Echinaria capitata requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mediterranean Spurge Need?
Mediterranean Spurge thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mediterranean Spurge Prefer?
Echinaria capitata grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Mediterranean Spurge prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mediterranean Spurge?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Spurge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mediterranean Spurge?
Feed Mediterranean Spurge every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Mediterranean Spurge?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mediterranean Spurge?
Mediterranean Spurge can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Mediterranean Spurge Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Spurge, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mediterranean Spurge?
Mediterranean Spurge is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mediterranean Spurge Need?
Mediterranean Spurge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mediterranean Spurge is native to the Mediterranean Region as well as the Southwest and Central Asia. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Spurge as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Mediterranean Spurge is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Echinaria genus — compare its care with other Echinaria species on PlantoScan.
Echinaria is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Mediterranean Spurge thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Echinaria capitata (L.) Desf., family Poaceae (first published in Fl. Atlant. 2: 385 (1799)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Spurge, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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