What it is: This listing is gingham golf ball or living baseball (Euphorbia obesa).

Light: The Royal Horticultural Society recommends growing it under glass in a gritty, well-drained mix (our succulent and cacti soil is a good starting point) in full light, and protecting it from hot afternoon sun that can scorch it. In our dark northern Alberta winters, a grow bulb in a lamp helps.

Watering & care: Water moderately while it is growing, and keep it dry in winter (Royal Horticultural Society). Overwatering can cause rot.

Humidity: Average household humidity is fine; University of Wisconsin Extension notes crown of thorns does well in the dry air of heated northern homes, and the same usually suits other potted euphorbias.

Temperature: Keep it in typical indoor temperatures and off cold windows. These are not frost-hardy houseplants; NC State Extension treats several of these species as outdoor plants only in very warm climates, and African milk tree should be brought in before temperatures drop below about 7 °C (45 °F) (NC State Extension).

Winter indoors: In winter, water less often and keep it off cold glass, in your brightest window or under a grow light.

Expected indoor size: The Royal Horticultural Society describes gingham golf ball / living baseball as a houseplant or conservatory succulent about 15 cm (6 in) tall, with a size range of 0.1–0.5 m (4–20 in) tall and wide. How large yours gets depends on light, pot size and care.

Feeding: Feed sparingly with our Cactus Fertilizer during the growing season, and ease off in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests a dilute low-nitrogen feed monthly in the growing season for potted Euphorbia obesa; other succulent euphorbias likewise do better with light feeding than with a heavy dose.

Pets & pests: The Royal Horticultural Society lists gingham golf ball / living baseball as an irritant to skin and eyes and harmful if eaten, and recommends wearing gloves and other protection when handling it. Related euphorbias also have an irritant milky sap (NC State Extension). Keep it out of reach of pets and children. Watch for mealybugs (Royal Horticultural Society).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness, leaf count and variegation or colouring vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular plant size, branching, markings or flower colour. The size option (2-1/2") refers to the pot diameter. It does not guarantee an exact plant size or branching. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Euphorbia as inspiration.