Carolina Spurge Plant Care
Matelea carolinensis (Jacq.) Woodson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Matelea carolinensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae known by the common names maroon Carolina milkvine and Carolina anglepod. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in open deciduous woods and stream banks.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Carolina Spurge?
Carolina Spurge grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Carolina Spurge Native To?
What Is the Carolina Spurge?
Carolina Spurge (Matelea carolinensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Matelea genus. Carolina Spurge is native to the southeastern United States. Carolina Spurge is also known as Carolina Milkvine.
Carolina Spurge displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Carolina Spurge produces small, unique star-shaped flowers in shades of white, green, or purple.
What Light Does the Carolina Spurge Need?
Carolina Spurge thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Carolina Spurge in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Carolina Spurge?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Carolina Spurge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Carolina Spurge?
Repot annually in 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 Carolina Spurge?
Carolina Spurge can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to matelea alabamensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Carolina Spurge Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Carolina 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 Carolina Spurge?
Carolina Spurge is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Carolina 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 Matelea genus — compare its care with other Matelea species on PlantoScan.
Matelea is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Carolina Spurge thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Matelea Species
Other Matelea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Matelea carolinensis (Jacq.) Woodson, family Apocynaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 28: 228 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Carolina 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.
- 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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