Plant ID
GD-EUP-300-0011
Common Name(s)
- White Ghost Euphorbia
- Ghost Dragon Bone Euphorbia
- White Ghost Candelabra Spurge
- White Dragon Bone Cactus*
- Ghost Euphorbia
*Although commonly called a “cactus,” this plant belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and is not a true cactus.
Plant Photograph
📷 Figure 1. Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’
Picture Description
A striking specimen of Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’, displaying upright, four-angled stems with a remarkable silvery-white coloration accented by faint green tones along the growing margins. The broad winged stems feature undulating edges armed with paired spines, creating an elegant candelabra-like silhouette. The plant’s ghostly appearance results from greatly reduced chlorophyll, making it one of the most distinctive ornamental forms of the Dragon Bone Euphorbia. Photographed at Green Desert Agritourism Park, this specimen showcases the extraordinary beauty of naturally variegated succulent spurges.
Plant Description
Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ is an exceptional ornamental cultivar prized for its luminous white to pale gray stems and dramatic architectural growth. Unlike the typical green Dragon Bone Euphorbia, this cultivar contains greatly reduced chlorophyll, producing its characteristic ghost-like coloration while retaining enough green tissue to sustain healthy growth.
The plant develops upright, candelabra-like branches with four winged angles and gently undulating margins lined with paired spines. Its pale coloration creates a striking contrast among green succulents and cacti, making it a favorite specimen for collectors and botanical displays. Because the reduced chlorophyll limits photosynthesis, ‘White Ghost’ generally grows more slowly than the typical green form but rewards patient growers with one of the most elegant appearances in the genus Euphorbia.
Basic Information
Scientific Name: Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’
Author Citation: Based on Euphorbia lactea Haw.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Plant Type: Variegated succulent shrub
Origin: A cultivated cultivar derived from Euphorbia lactea, native to India and Sri Lanka.
Plant Overview
‘White Ghost’ is among the most admired ornamental cultivars of Euphorbia lactea. Its upright branching habit and pale stems create an almost sculptural appearance that resembles carved stone or weathered coral. Small areas of green tissue are concentrated along the stem margins and growing points, providing sufficient chlorophyll for continued development.
Because of its unique coloration, this cultivar is often displayed as a specimen plant in botanical gardens and private collections. It performs best under bright light, where its silvery-white coloration becomes even more pronounced while maintaining healthy growth.
Botanical Description
Growth Habit
An upright, branching succulent shrub with candelabra-like growth.
Mature Size
- Height: 1.5–4 meters in the landscape
- Height in containers: 60–180 cm
Stem
- Four-angled winged stems
- Silvery-white to pale gray
- Slight green variegation along growing tissues
- Thick water-storing succulent tissue
- White milky latex is present when cut
Leaves
Tiny, short-lived leaves appear briefly on actively growing stems before naturally falling.
Spines
- Small paired spines
- Brown to gray
- Positioned along the wing margins
Roots
Fibrous root system adapted to fast-draining soils.
Flowers
Produces small yellow-green cyathia, though flowering is uncommon in cultivated specimens.
Fruits
Small three-lobed capsules.
Seeds
Rarely produced in cultivation.
Native Habitat
Geographic Distribution
Derived from Euphorbia lactea, native to:
- India
- Sri Lanka
Natural Ecosystem
- Dry tropical forests
- Rocky slopes
- Open scrublands
Climate
Warm tropical to subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons.
Soil Type
Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils.
Growing Conditions
Light
Bright filtered light to full morning sun. In very hot climates, protection from intense afternoon sun helps prevent sun scorch on the pale stems.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
Soil
A fast-draining cactus or succulent mix with abundant mineral material.
Temperature
Ideal:
20–35°C
Protect from temperatures below 10°C.
Humidity
Prefers low humidity with excellent air circulation.
Fertilization
Feed lightly once or twice during the growing season using a balanced cactus fertilizer.
Potting
Grow in containers with excellent drainage and sufficient stability.
Propagation
Usually propagated from stem cuttings.
Allow cuttings to callus thoroughly before planting.
⚠ Wear gloves because the white milky latex may irritate the skin.
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate due to reduced chlorophyll.
Dormancy
Growth slows during cool weather and prolonged dry periods.
Toxicity
⚠ Caution
Like all Euphorbia species, the white milky latex:
- May irritate the skin.
- Can cause severe eye injury.
- Is toxic if ingested.
Handle with care and keep away from children and pets.
Pests and Diseases
Common problems include:
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
- Root rot caused by overwatering
- Fungal stem diseases under poor drainage
Interesting Facts
- One of the palest cultivars of Euphorbia lactea.
- Its ghostly appearance results from greatly reduced chlorophyll.
- The remaining green tissue performs most of the plant’s photosynthesis.
- Frequently featured in botanical gardens and collector displays.
- Often mistaken for a cactus despite belonging to the spurge family.
- Creates dramatic visual contrast when planted alongside green succulents.
Landscape and Collection Value
Recommended for:
- Premium succulent collections
- Botanical gardens
- Collector specimen displays
- Contemporary landscape design
- Educational exhibits on plant variegation
Its distinctive white coloration makes it one of the most visually striking Euphorbia cultivars available.
Conservation Status
This is a cultivated ornamental cultivar maintained through horticultural propagation and is not known from natural wild populations.
Life’s Whisper
“Even in the quietest colors, beauty shines brightly. Like the White Ghost Euphorbia, we do not need boldness to leave a lasting impression; quiet elegance speaks for itself.”
Green Desert Botanical Library Notes
This specimen forms part of the living collection of Green Desert Agritourism Park. Its luminous white stems and elegant branching habit make it one of the most distinctive ornamental spurges in the collection. The plant serves as an excellent example of natural variegation and demonstrates how reduced chlorophyll can create extraordinary beauty while preserving the remarkable resilience of the Dragon Bone Euphorbia.
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References
For the complete list of botanical references, scientific literature, and online resources used in preparing the Green Desert Botanical Library, please visit the References page available from the Main Menu.