Two mutations, one sculptural form
Variegation reduces green tissue while fasciation broadens the meristem into a wavy crest.
Euphorbia lactea' White Ghost' 6.5cm
Normal price
€6,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Euphorbialactea' White Ghost'
Minimal, mysterious and somehow… extraterrestrial 🛸
- Euphorbiaceae
- Crested growth
- Extreme variegation
- Cultivated selection
- Irritant white latex
Euphorbia lactea' White Ghost' resembles white coral or a frozen sculpture more than a conventional succulent. Its undulating crest unfolds into folds and fans, while the creamy white surface is interrupted by gentle green and pink accents that define every curve. The near-monochrome palette has unusual purity and creates a striking, luxurious presence from the very first glance.
No crest develops in exactly the same way as another; fresh folds gradually build a unique silhouette, with shadows and reflections continually changing its appearance. This unpredictable sculptural rhythm, combined with the luminous colouring, makes it a true statement piece and a sought-after collector’s acquisition. It instantly adds distinctive aesthetic value and can make even a small composition feel carefully curated.
What makes it special
Three details that turn its botanical identity into genuine presence for a collection and interior or outdoor setting.
A unique pattern on every plant
The distribution of white, green and pink never repeats exactly, increasing collector appeal.
Rare luminous contrast
Its nearly white surface brightens black ceramic, natural stone and dark collections with very little volume.
Why you will love it: it is a living sculpture with genuine horticultural history, every specimen different and striking enough to stand alone.
In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Place it in very bright filtered light or gentle morning sun, away from scorching midday glass. Dark matte ceramic with pale mineral top dressing creates the strongest contrast. If grafted, keep the union clean, dry and visible for easy inspection.
Plants that bring out its character
Pair it with plants that genuinely share its light, substrate and seasonal rhythm. Separate pots keep care precise for every plant.
- Euphorbia susannae — a deep green geometric body against the white crest.
- Echeveria ‘Blue Bird’ — a glaucous rosette with pink edges for a calm colour transition.
- Kleinia stapeliiformis — dark linear stems intensifying the pale contrast.
Care at a glance
Light
Very bright filtered light with gentle sun; white tissue scorches more readily.
Water
Water very sparingly only after complete drying and while temperatures are warm.
Climate
Ideally 15–30°C with low humidity and protection from cold, draughts and frost.
Pets & children
White latex is toxic and strongly irritating to skin and eyes; use gloves and keep fully away from children or animals.
Selected for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Reduced chlorophyll requires high light for energy but offers less protection from scorch. Favour strong filtered light and introduce direct sun only very gradually.
Watering correctly
Water at root level until excess drains and repeat only when the mix is absolutely dry. In cool winter conditions stop almost completely, as pale tissue and the crest base rot readily.
Air and humidity
It needs dry air and steady circulation around every fold. Do not mist or leave water sitting on the crest or graft union.
Temperature and seasonal rhythm
Growth is slow and concentrated in the warm bright season. Low temperature combined with water is the main seasonal risk.
Substrate
Choose a highly mineral stable mix that dries quickly and a pot only large enough for the roots or rootstock.
Feeding, repotting and handling
Use extremely dilute feed sparingly during warm growth. Excess nitrogen creates soft unstable tissue.
Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, taxonomic history and natural or cultivated origin
Based on accepted Euphorbia lactea
Kew accepts the species as native to Sri Lanka in a seasonally dry tropical biome. Broader Asian references often reflect cultivation or introduction rather than the accepted native range.
‘White Ghost’: clonal variegation
‘White Ghost’ is a cultivated near-achlorophyllous or chimeral selection not found in the wild. A specific breeder and introduction year have not been reliably documented.
The cristata form results from fasciation
The apical meristem grows as a line rather than a point, creating a fan. The form is maintained vegetatively and often by grafting; it is not a separate wild taxon.
From natural habitat to care: The base species comes from a seasonally dry tropical climate, but the white crested form has a much narrower safety margin. Imitate warm-season growth and dryness while adding filtered light and exceptional airflow for sensitive chimeral tissue.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical detail for anyone who wants to understand the science behind the plant
A chimera contains different tissues
Green and white zones may have different genetic expression within the same meristem.
Fasciation changes growth geometry
Instead of one growing point, an elongated line of active tissue forms folds as it expands.
White tissue photosynthesises less
This slows growth and makes green areas or a rootstock especially important.
Latex contains irritants
Diterpene compounds can cause strong irritation; cutting requires eye and skin protection.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers about light, watering, seasonal rhythm and the plant’s correct identity.
01How much direct sun can it take?
Reduced chlorophyll requires high light for energy but offers less protection from scorch. Favour strong filtered light and introduce direct sun only very gradually.
02When exactly should it be watered?
Water at root level until excess drains and repeat only when the mix is absolutely dry. In cool winter conditions stop almost completely, as pale tissue and the crest base rot readily.
03Is it a cactus?
No. It is a succulent Euphorbia in Euphorbiaceae. Spines and form reflect convergent evolution, not membership of Cactaceae.
04Is it always grafted?
Not necessarily, although very pale crested forms are often grafted for stability. Inspect the actual plant for a visible union before applying rootstock-specific care.
05What substrate and feeding does it need?
Choose a highly mineral stable mix that dries quickly and a pot only large enough for the roots or rootstock. Use extremely dilute feed sparingly during warm growth. Excess nitrogen creates soft unstable tissue.
06Is it safe around pets and children?
White latex is toxic and strongly irritating to skin and eyes; use gloves and keep fully away from children or animals.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.