Euphorbiaceae
Ritchie's spurge: Perfect Indoor Houseplant
Monadenium ritchiei
This plant thrives best in bright light and requires very little water. Ensure a porous soil mix and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Ritchie's spurge?
Ritchie's spurge (Monadenium ritchiei) is a medium-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Monadenium ritchiei is a rare, clump-forming succulent native to Kenya. It features thick, fleshy stems covered in warts or tubercles, giving it a unique, almost alien appearance. During the summer, it produces small, often pink flowers (cyathia) and green leaves that drop off during its dormancy pe...
Ritchie's spurge grows up to 40cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 35°C, 20–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Ritchie's spurge?
TLDR: Ritchie's spurge needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Ritchie's spurge?
Water thoroughly once the soil is completely dry, but significantly reduce watering during the winter when the plant is dormant.
How Much Light Does Ritchie's spurge Need?
Place it in a south-facing window; it tolerates direct sunlight well, which encourages blooming.
What Is the Best Soil for Ritchie's spurge?
Use a mixture of 50% pumice or perlite and 50% cactus soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Ritchie's spurge?
Terra cotta pot with good drainage to help the soil dry out quickly.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Ritchie's spurge and Where Does It Come From?
Monadenium ritchiei is a rare, clump-forming succulent native to Kenya. It features thick, fleshy stems covered in warts or tubercles, giving it a unique, almost alien appearance. During the summer, it produces small, often pink flowers (cyathia) and green leaves that drop off during its dormancy period.
How to Propagate Ritchie's spurge?
Offset cuttings
- Be careful with the white milky sap, as it is an irritant to the skin and eyes.
- 1 Take the cutting
Carefully cut off an offset at the base using a sterile knife.
- 2 Drying
Let the cutting sit in a dry place for 5-7 days so the cut surface can form a hard callus.
- 3 Planting
Place the cutting in dry cactus soil and wait to water until roots begin to form.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Ritchie's spurge Grow?
TLDR: Ritchie's spurge can reach up to 40cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents endurance and adaptability in arid environments.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
