Euphorbia richeye gold is a striking succulent, valued for its distinctive appearance. This cultivar captivates with its unique “gold” variegation, adding a luminous quality to its form. It is a sought-after addition for both seasoned collectors and new plant enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics of Euphorbia Richeye Gold
Euphorbia richeye gold, also known by its synonym Monadenium ritchiei variegata, is a clump-forming succulent that can grow up to 0.3 meters (about 12 inches) tall. Its stems are cylindrical, composed of broadly conical tubercles stacked on top of each other. These tubercles are often yellow with dark green stripes, contributing to its “gold” appearance.
The plant produces fleshy, obovate to elliptical leaves that cluster at the stem tips. These leaves emerge singly from the tubercles and feature prominent cream-colored venation, making them lighter than the rest of the leaf blade. Young foliage may also be tinted with a light brown color, adding to its unique variegation. Though it has tiny spines on the tubercles near the stem tip, the plant is known for its ornamental stems and distinctive leaf patterns.
Care Requirements for Euphorbia Richeye Gold
Light Needs
Euphorbia richeye gold thrives in bright, direct sunlight for several hours each day, which promotes strong growth and vibrant coloration. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in extremely hot climates where protection from intense midday sun is beneficial.
Insufficient light can lead to weak, leggy growth and a loss of the characteristic variegation. Conversely, too much harsh, direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
Watering Practices
Euphorbia richeye gold is a drought-tolerant succulent that stores water in its fleshy stems, requiring minimal watering to prevent root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), water every 2-3 weeks, ensuring the soil dries thoroughly. In fall and winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once a month or less. Water deeply in the early morning to allow the soil to absorb moisture without leaving roots sitting in water.
Soil and Drainage
Euphorbia richeye gold requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A gritty, well-aerated succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal for this plant. If a specialized mix is unavailable, a suitable alternative can be created by combining 50% potting soil with 25% perlite and 25% coarse sand to enhance drainage. Using pots with drainage holes is also important to ensure excess water can escape.
Temperature and Humidity
This succulent prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). It is sensitive to cold and will not survive a hard frost, so protection is needed in cooler climates. If temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), bring the plant indoors. As a succulent native to dry environments, Euphorbia richeye gold thrives in normal household humidity and does not require additional humidity control. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal issues.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing Euphorbia richeye gold is not always necessary, as it survives in nutrient-poor soil. However, a light feeding encourages faster, larger growth, particularly for potted plants. During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly. Avoid over-fertilization, as too much fertilizer leads to weak growth or root damage.
Important Safety Considerations
All Euphorbia species, including Euphorbia richeye gold, produce a milky white latex sap. This sap is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, rashes, blistering, and a burning sensation. If sap contacts the eyes, it can cause pain, blurred vision, and even temporary blindness, with symptoms worsening over several hours. The sap is also toxic if ingested, causing burning to the mouth, lips, and tongue, and potentially vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
When handling Euphorbia richeye gold, wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves) and eye protection. If sap contact occurs, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, and flush eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.