Growing Scarlet Plume Plants: How To Care For Euphorbia Fulgens

If you’re planning to decorate your space with a favored plant during the Christmas holidays, Euphorbia fulgens is the one for you!

Also referred to as Scarlet Plume, it is a lax, deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Euphorbia and a member of Euphorbiaceae, also known as the Spurge family.

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The Euphorbiaceae family is a large family of flowering plants with 2818 genera and 6745 species. Its members include herbs, vines, shrubs, trees, and monoecious or dioecious plants. 

The genus Euphorbia was named after Euphorbus, a Greek physician of King Juba II, who defined the plant’s medicinal properties. Moreover, the specific epithet “fulgens” came from the Latin word that means shining or glistening. 

This deciduous shrub is native to Mexico but also grows in neighboring areas, including Arizona, southern California, and Texas. It can also be found in other parts of Africa.

The scarlet plume had been introduced as far back as 1836 into cultivation but was only a subject of the revival of interest several years ago.

It’s well-known for its showy scarlet bract clusters blooming on slender stems with lance-shaped leaves. 

The clusters of scarlet flower-heads are why the plant’s common name is Scarlet plume.  

Moreover, Euphorbia fulgens is a well-known relative to Poinsettia. They have similarities regarding their highly-colored bracts that grow under the flower. Other related species include crown-of-thorns.

Another notable feature of Euphorbia fulgens is that this plant received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Quick Tips On Euphorbia Fulgens

• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Temperature: 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
• Water: Regular watering
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer
• Propagation: Seeds or cuttings
• Common Problems: Spots, leaf drops, gray mold, mealybugs, whitefly

Euphorbia Fulgens Care

Euphorbias are easy to grow, making them excellent decorative plants for your garden or landscape. 

Here are the essential aspects to remember if you want to grow one at home.

How Big Does The Scarlet Plume Grow?

Scarlet plume typically grows from 2′ to 5′ feet tall and 2′ to 3′ feet broad but may sometimes reach around 7′ feet tall in the wild. However, this plant seldom reaches about 20″ inches tall in cultivation. 

This plant commonly reaches maturity in 5 to 10 years.

When Does The Scarlet Plume Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?

The scarlet plume is a perennial shrub that features clusters of small brightly-colored bracts borne on slender stems with weeping branches and lance-shaped leaves.

These scarlet bract clusters bloom with no fragrance from late fall or early winter, often lasting into the winter. 

Just like its relative Poinsettia, the scarlet plume is a short-day plant, meaning it blooms only when the day length is less than about 12 hours

What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?

Scarlet Plume does well in full sun or partial shade locations. However, it may need protection as direct sunlight may cause wilting, drying, or premature death.

The ideal temperature for Euphorbia Fulgens ranges around 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit any time of year. 

Since it’s a short-day plant, you can “cheat” it into blooming by providing it with complete darkness for 13 to 14 hours each day for at least 4 weeks. 

How And When To Water And Fertilize Scarlet Plume?

Scarlet Plume requires regular watering but cannot tolerate under or overwatering. 

The soil should remain moist but never soggy or wet. Moreover, keep it dry after flowering and only resume watering after new growth begins. 

For fertilizer application, feed the plant with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly or when it is in bud.

What Is The Best Soil For Euphorbia Fulgens, And When Should You Transplant?

Scarlet plume thrives in peaty, porous, and well-drained soil.

It’s also great to grow this plant in a loam-based compost with leaf mold and bark.

For repotting, it’s best done after flowering. 

Does Euphorbia Fulgens Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?

No pruning is needed for this plant.

How To Propagate Scarlet Plume?

Scarlet plume can be propagated via two methods:

• Seeds
• Cuttings

However, propagating through cuttings is the quickest and easiest method, so most gardeners use this instead.

Here’s how to propagate Euphorbia fulgens via cuttings:

• Take a cutting and soak it in tepid water to release the milky sap it contains.
• Insert the cutting in a mixture of peat and sand in a warm, moist propagator.

Euphorbia Fulgens Pests And Diseases

Euphorbia Fulgens is prone to leaf drops or spots commonly caused by drafts, cold water, under or overwatering, fungicides and pesticides. Another common disease is gray mold.

Pests, including mealybugs and whiteflies, may be a problem too.

Uses Of Scarlet Plume

With its clusters of vividly-colored scarlet bracts, Euphorbia fulgens make an excellent seasonal potted plant. It’s also a great decorative plant during holidays, especially Christmas.

Scarlet plume also makes a beautiful cut flower and can be used to add a filler for flower arrangements and wedding bouquets.