A Complete Guide to Growing Ascot Rainbow Spurge Plant in a Pot

Growing the eye-catching Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant (Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’) in a pot is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your home, patio or office. With its vibrant variegated foliage in shades of green, cream and pink, this compact perennial looks absolutely stunning in containers.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow healthy and happy Ascot Rainbow Spurge plants in pots.

Choosing the Right Pot

• Select a pot that is at least 10-12 inches wide and deep. This will provide enough room for the root system.

• Make sure the pot has several drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

• Terra cotta, ceramic and plastic pots all work well. Match the pot color to your decor.

• For indoor pots, choose ones with saucers to prevent water drips.

The Perfect Potting Mix

• Use a high quality, commercial potting mix designed for container plants.

• Avoid regular garden soil, as it will compress over time and stunt root growth.

• Mix in perlite or pumice to improve drainage. About 20-30% amendment is ideal.

• You can also add compost or worm castings for nutrients.

• The mix should be loose and fluffy enough for roots to spread easily.

Providing the Right Light

• Ascot Rainbow Spurge thrives in partial sun or filtered light indoors.

• Place it near an east or west facing window where it will get 4-6 hours of sun.

• Rotate the pot every few days so all sides get even light exposure.

• Outdoors, choose a spot with morning or late afternoon sun.

• Avoid hot, direct midday sun as it can scorch the foliage.

Watering Correctly

• Water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry.

• Be sure the pot has drainage holes and empty any excess water from the saucer.

• Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

• In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows.

• Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.

Feeding for Healthy Growth

• Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Look for a fertilizer made specifically for container plants.

• Dilute to half strength to avoid buildup of excess salts.

• Discontinue fertilizing in late fall/early winter when plant goes dormant.

• Resume feeding when new growth appears in spring.

Proper Temperature

• Ascot Rainbow Spurge thrives in average room temperatures between 60-75°F.

• Keep away from hot and cold drafts from heating/AC vents.

• Move potted plants indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F.

• Outdoors, be sure to bring pots inside before frost arrives.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Prune off any dead, damaged or unsightly growth as needed.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

• Cut back any leggy stems to keep plant compact.

• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove dust buildup.

• Repot every 2-3 years when roots fill out the container.

Dealing With Pests

• Check frequently for common pests like aphids, spider mites or mealybugs.

• Remove any bugs by hand or use insecticidal soap spray.

• Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering to deter pests.

• Remove affected parts immediately to prevent spreading.

Overwintering Indoors

• Before frost, bring potted spurge plants indoors to a sunny window.

• Cut back on watering over winter when plant goes dormant.

• Stop fertilizing and limit pruning until spring.

• Monitor for pests that may thrive in dry indoor air.

• Transition back outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Propagating More Plants

• Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer.

• Allow cut ends to callous over before planting.

• Root cuttings in small pots filled with potting mix.

• Keep soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.

• New roots and leaf growth will emerge in a few weeks!

Tips and Tricks

• Pinch off growing tips to encourage bushier, compact growth.

• Pair with companion plants like dusty miller or trailing lobelia.

• Group a few pots together for a bold color display.

• Keep leaves dry when watering to prevent spots from forming.

• Rotate pot frequently so all sides receive equal light exposure.

With stunning multicolored foliage and a compact, mounded form, Ascot Rainbow Spurge makes a spectacular addition to container gardens. Follow this guide for choosing the ideal pot, creating a suitable growing mix, providing proper lighting and care, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. A healthy, thriving Ascot Rainbow Spurge container plant will give you years of enjoyment with minimal effort required. Let its colorful, eye-catching appeal brighten up your indoor and outdoor living spaces!