If you’d like a succulent plant which looks like a cactus, look no further than Euphorbia resinifera, or the Moroccan Mound succulent.
It’s a striking plant which grows naturally in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, making a great architectural statement in any home or garden.
In gardens which have rocky soil and long periods of drought, this is the perfect accent plant, which also doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.
Interested? Here’s everything you need to know about Moroccan Mound succulents, from how to care for them, where to grow them, and how to make new ones for free.
At a Glance: What You Should Know About Moroccan Mound Spurge
Scientifically known as Euphorbia resinifera, the Moroccan Mound succulent or spurge is a fairly low-growing succulent that adds a lot of interest into any landscape you introduce it to.
It has an upright growth habit, reaching a maximum height of 61cm once the plant has matured. It will need some space, as it can spread up to 6 feet wide.
The plant is instantly recognizable for its columns of green stems, featuring four sides each. The margins of these stems are accented with spines, which is why it often gets confused with a cactus.
Keep in mind that you may want to be careful where you put this plant. Don’t situate it somewhere that gets a lot of traffic, otherwise you may be inviting trouble.
It can provide a lot of winter interest, producing petite yellow flowers in the last few weeks of winter, carrying through until the first weeks of spring.
A Note on Toxicity
As a member of the euphorbia plant genus, it’s important to mention that this plant contains a resin or latex which is toxic.
The function of this sap is to protect the plant from being eaten. If you happen to touch this sap, it will cause skin irritation, or even blisters.
Worse still is if it gets into any mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or the mouth, it will cause a lot of swelling, and it can also severely damage your eyesight, or render you completely blind.
Always wear gloves when handling the plant, and do not think about touching your face until you have washed your hands thoroughly, even if you haven’t cut the plant.
The sap oozes out onto open wounds on the plant, like blood from a cut, congealing and forming a protective layer on the plant.
Because of its toxicity, this plant is not suitable for households or gardens which have pets or children.
How to Make a Moroccan Mound Succulent Thrive
Moroccan mound succulents are very easy-going plants, and they don’t need a lot of attention in order to be healthy. But there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best out of these striking succulents.
Should You Grow Moroccan Mound Succulents Indoors or Outdoors?
Where you should grow your Moroccan mound succulents depends on where you live. If you live somewhere which doesn’t get a lot of rainfall, and has warm temperatures all year round, you can grow Moroccan mound succulents outside with no problems.
Pick a sheltered position with well-draining soil, such as a rockery, and it will thrive.
If that doesn’t sound like your garden, you can still grow Moroccan mound succulents, but you’ll need to do so indoors.
For best results, use a terracotta container and a soil mix suitable for cacti and succulents, which will prevent too much moisture from rotting the roots of the plant.
Sunlight and Position
Outside, Moroccan mound succulents will survive in either dappled shade or full sunlight. Full sunlight is best if you want the euphorbia to flower in the winter months, and it also helps the stems stay a bright green.
If you’re growing your Moroccan mound succulents indoors, you’ll need to place it in the brightest position possible. The sunniest windowsill which gets the most light for the longest time is best.
Avoid placing your Moroccan mound succulent near drafts or radiators, as this can weaken the plant. An area of low humidity is best, so avoid bathrooms or kitchens.
In a position that isn’t bright enough, you may notice that the growth will become too leggy, and it may even topple over trying to reach better light (see also Succulent Grow Light Guide).
The soil needs to drain well, otherwise the plant will develop root rot, and it will drown.
When to Water Euphorbia resinifera
As a succulent, it won’t be very often that you’ll need to water this plant. The only time you’ll need to water this plant is when the soil has completely dried out.
You can check this by touching the soil in the drainage hole with a finger. If it’s even slightly damp, give it a week or so before you check it again.
Can You Propagate a Moroccan Mound Spurge?
You can take cuttings of Moroccan mound succulents without any issue, but you will need to wear thick gloves, and eyeglasses aren’t a bad idea, either. Remember how toxic this plant is!
Take a sharp, clean knife, and take a decent-sized cutting from the stem or branch. Wash the latex away from the open wound, and dab it dry with a paper towel.
Leave it somewhere dry and warm for the wound to close over for a few days. After that, you can pot up the cutting as normal, using a succulent compost mix. New roots should grow within six weeks or so.
You can also propagate a Moroccan mound succulent by separating offsets from the mother plant, and potting them up separately.
