Euphorbia caput-medusae

Medusa’s head
Ideal in sandy and rocky coastal gardens, where this plant is right at home. Dramatic ground cover or pot plant. Two forms, rosette and wandering snakes.
height 6–18in
width 1–3ft
tolerates Coast, Drought, Deer , Gophers, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant infrequently, when the soil is completely dry. Usually this will mean every week or two in dry weather. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every four to six weeks in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. This plant will look more lush if given water every two to four weeks during dry weather once established. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot. Remember that plants in pots, especially undersized ones will need more frequent watering.
hardy
to		 27F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose
origin W South Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 15–17, 20–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

If water is withheld this plant will slowly ‘use up’ water in its lower branches and shed them. With time developing a short stout trunk.
The ‘snakes’ from this Medusa’s head can be trimmed off in spring and propagated. Let them sit for two weeks, use rooting hormone and plant in very sharp draining soil. Keep in a warm bright spot. Interestingly these cuttings plant will often, but not always, regrow into a central head with radiating snakes. Other times they become a wandering mass of replicating snakes, great for cascading from pots or walls.