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Euphorbia cotinifolia ( botanical name ) [ yoo - FOR - bee - uh , kot - in - ih - FOH - lee - uh ] is a leafy plant with interesting center - shaped leaves .
Native to South America and Mexico , this broadleaf tropical shrub can strive 10 ’ – 15 ’ feet tall and produce lovely belittled white blossom .

It belongs to theEuphorbia plantgenus and the diverse family Euphorbiaceae ( spurge ) .
The botanic name come up from the words ‘ cotinus ’ ( smoke tree ) and ‘ folium ’ ( foliage ) .
coarse name include :
Euphorbia plant case ( Crown of thorn works , Crotons , Poinsettia ) produce a toxicant fool when its purplish stems holding on retentive leafstalk are broken , commonly used in folk remedy in Central America , but it is a skin irritant .
In North America , Euphorbia cotinifolia is commonly raise as an ornamental plant using the following plant care methods .
Euphorbia Cotinifolia Care
Size & Growth
reddish - leaf euphorbia cotinifolia is a tight - growing plant . It can raise quickly in fond temperature , strain a height of 6′ – 8′ feet .
rationalize it back help maintain brusk , bushier emergence with red stems and red heart - mould leaves .
The crimson color of Euphorbia cotinifolia almost has a atomic number 29 or rust - colourise chromaticity to it .
Flowering and Fragrance
The works produces lilliputian flowers with creamy - lily-white petal on pallid yellow bract forming at the tips of the foresighted stems .
Due to their small size , the flowers are not very splashy . They do n’t produce a fragrance , either , but are interesting to look at .
The flora can blossom year - round .
Light & Temperature
Outside of USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 , keep the plant indoors during the winter .
Euphorbia cotinifolia can not handle frost or super dry condition .
The tropical smoke bush grows good in brilliant luminance or full Lord’s Day , but it can stomach a little chip of refinement .
It favour tender , humid conditions .
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly throughout the grow time of year and only apply liquid fertilizer during the lovesome months .
Unlike most succulents , Euphorbia cotinifolia does not address long periods of drouth well , therefore it ’s not very drought tolerant .
If brought at heart for the wintertime , it may not require frequent watering .
Check it every few daytime , and piddle as needed .
If the leaves of the Caribbean copper plant start to droop , it ’s likely getting too much water system .
Soil & Transplanting
Use light and holey well - drained soil to ensure the works gets optimum drainage .
If the soil control too much Lucius DuBignon Clay or sand , add up compost or peat moss to make it more holey .
Repot the works every yr or two , moving up to a larger container as needed .
If allowed to grow , the Caribbean copper plant can reach out up to 8 ’ feet tall and may eventually require a large flowerpot to keep it from tipping over .
Transplant the plant in the later spring , before its bloom time .
Grooming
To encourage bushier growth , pinch the tops of untested plant .
With older plants , cut back back the stems in the early spring to force new growth .
NOTE : When grooming the plant , use caveat to avoid getting the milky sap on your hands or arm .
How To Propagate Smoketree Spurge
Cuttings provide the best way to circularize red leaf euphorbia .
Red-leaf Euphorbia Pests or Diseases
The biggest menace to the plant is over - watering .
When over - watering and not allow for the flora with enough sunshine , it may start to develop mould or fungus and attract pests .
Treat pest problem with miticide or pesticide , depending on the threat .
spray the leaves with water may also help remove small louse orspider mites .
Fungicide assist stop the spread of the fungus , but severe fungal contagion may require the disposal of the full plant .
Over - lacrimation the plant while ensuring it receive enough warmth and sunlight can lead to drooping leaves .
If the leaves start up to droop , ensure the soil has good drainage and throttle tearing until the health of the industrial plant returns .
Besides loll leaves , catch out for the sap . The fore bring on a tomfool known to cause skin irritation . It may also cause digestive distress if ingested .
Keep the flora aside from little children and favorite , and use precaution when trim down back or handling the plant .
To protect the pelt , wear gloves before trimming the stems or look at cuttings for extension .
Suggested Caribbean Copper Plant Uses
discipline the plant as a bush or a small tree diagram originate in full Dominicus .
Thanks to its distinct Caribbean copper red foliage , it looks great when maturate in a clean ceramic crapper .