BellinaHow I Acquired My Euphorbia Lactea ‘White Ghost’
It was a beautiful summer day in Toronto, the kind of day that begs to be spent outdoors surrounded by nature. I made my way to the Toronto Botanical Garden, which is nestled within the lush grounds of Edward Gardens, a perfect oasis tucked away from the city’s bustle. That day was extra special because it was also the annual sale event held by the Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club. This show has become something of a tradition for me, an event I try not to miss each year.
As I wandered through the sale, surrounded by plant lovers and rare finds, I found myself at the Crystal Star Nursery booth. That’s where I saw it, a humongous Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’. Back then, six years ago, finding one was rare, especially one so mature, branching, and standing over 12 inches tall. I was immediately captivated. The plant’s almost ghostly appearance, its stark white stems with just a trace of green, seemed to glow under the summer sun. It looked like something out of a dream. How could a plant survive with so little chlorophyll? And yet here it was, not just surviving but thriving.
I remember that day vividly. The gardens were alive with summer color and energy. Local artists had set up easels across the grounds, painting scenes of the flower beds and meandering paths. Tropical plants like banana trees and palms had been moved from the greenhouses and planted into the landscape. There was even a section of the garden devoted to succulents and cacti, a unique desert-like vignette in the middle of this lush oasis. Perennials, exotic blooms, and playful bursts of color filled the flowerbeds, and a tranquil brook streamed through the grounds, bubbling gently and adding to the serene atmosphere.
It was more than just a plant sale. It was a full sensory experience, and acquiring my Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ was the highlight. The price was a bit steep, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime find, and I’ve never regretted the purchase.
Since then, my White Ghost has taken pride of place in a bright south-facing window. It gets gentle, filtered sunlight from sunrise until about noon, plenty of light, which this plant needs to maintain its striking white coloration. A few hours of morning sun keeps it happy, and it has rewarded me with steady growth over the years.
My care routine is simple but consistent. I water it once a week during the active growing season, always adding a touch of diluted fertilizer. In winter, when it goes semi-dormant, I cut back on watering to about every 10 to 14 days. It’s potted in a very well-draining mix, standard potting soil with a generous amount of perlite. Remarkably, it’s been in the same 4-inch pot for six years, and it’s just now due for a repot. I plan to move it to a 6-inch container soon.
This plant grows mostly during the warm, bright months of spring and summer, then rests in the cooler winter season. Its needs are minimal, and its unusual beauty never fails to draw attention. What makes it especially easy to care for is the ability to provide enough light. If I didn’t have a south-facing window, I would absolutely use grow lights to keep it thriving. Light should never be a barrier to growing the plants we love. Technology makes it easier than ever to create the right conditions indoors.
Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct morning sun. A south-facing window or grow lights are ideal.
Water: Water weekly during spring and summer. Reduce to every 10 to 14 days in winter.
Soil: Well-draining soil with plenty of perlite or cactus mix.
Fertilizer: Use diluted fertilizer during the growing season.
Potting: Repot every few years or when root-bound. Use pots with drainage holes.
Growth: Active during warm months. Semi-dormant in winter.
Hardiness: Indoor plant in temperate zones. Avoid frost exposure.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced collector, Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ is a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to any succulent collection.
