Euphorbia francoisii

Adapted to a warm, humid tropical climate, this species wakes up in the spring and pushes its vibrant, patterned foliage throughout the warmer months. In a coastal Zone 10b environment, it performs wonderfully outdoors beneath the protective diffusion of shade cloth and a polycarbonate roof, which is essential to shield its sensitive leaves from scorching under harsh sun while blocking out cold winter rains. Because its rootstock is prone to damp rot if kept cold, it demands an uncompromisingly fast-draining, porous mineral-heavy substrate—such as a gritty blend of pumice, decomposed granite, and calcined clay with just a touch of organic matter. Housed in a breathable raw cement pot, it appreciates regular, thorough waterings during the peak heat of summer, provided the mineral mix dries out rapidly between soakings. As temperatures drop in autumn, water must be withheld significantly, enforcing a dry, frost-free rest throughout the winter months.