Rhombus-leaved Spurge Plant Care
Euphorbia rhombifolia Boiss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Euphorbia rhombifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Namibia and South Africa, where it is widespread in clay-rich soils, extending as far east as Kwazulu-Natal.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Plant Rhombus-leaved Spurge in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Rhombus-leaved Spurge Native To?
What Is the Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge (Euphorbia rhombifolia) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Euphorbia genus. Rhombus-leaved Spurge is native to Namibia and South Africa.
Rhombus-leaved Spurge displays a varies by species, can be upright, sprawling, or clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rhombus-leaved Spurge produces small, often inconspicuous flowers surrounded by colorful bracts.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Water a young or newly planted Rhombus-leaved Spurge every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Rhombus-leaved Spurge Need?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rhombus-leaved Spurge Prefer?
Euphorbia rhombifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Rhombus-leaved Spurge prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with perlite and gravel. Good drainage is essential for Rhombus-leaved Spurge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Feed Rhombus-leaved Spurge every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with perlite and gravel. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Rhombus-leaved Spurge is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Prune Rhombus-leaved Spurge while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Rhombus-leaved Spurge in Winter?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge can be propagated through stem cuttings, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crown of thorns plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rhombus-leaved Spurge Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
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 Rhombus-leaved Spurge?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids. 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 Rhombus-leaved Spurge Need?
Rhombus-leaved Spurge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rhombus-leaved Spurge is native to Namibia and South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Rhombus-leaved Spurge as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Rhombus-leaved 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 Euphorbia genus — compare its care with other Euphorbia species on PlantoScan.
Euphorbia is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.
Rhombus-leaved Spurge thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Euphorbia Species
Other Euphorbia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Euphorbia rhombifolia Boiss., family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Cent. Euphorb. : 19 (1860)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Rhombus-leaved Spurge is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
