The Euphorbia genus contains thousands of species of plant life , more than 450 of which are succulents . Though many Euphorbia succulent have cactus - like thick green skin and sharp prickle , no Euphorbias are true cacti . Most of these striking plants come in the first place from Arica and Madagascar , as well as from India and the Canary Islands . Euphorbia succulents can be worry for in a standardized fashion to cacti .

Soil

Euphorbias will thrive only in well - drain soil . utilise a commercial-grade cactus or succulent soil mixture , and supply crushed rock or pumice to increase drainage . To arm your Euphorbia , give your flora a low - nitrogen , H2O - soluble plant food that ’s been reduce to 1/4 strength . fecundate two or three time a month during the growing season is idealistic .

Sunlight

Euphorbias differ slightly from cacti in that they will not do well in desert light . Bright , indirect light is optimal for these plants , which may sunburn in strong summertime Dominicus . A covered outdoor terrace , bay or a particularly brilliant spot indoors is idealistic for Euphorbias . Hardy Euphorbias may be station out of doors in a wry station with lots of light in the wintertime .

Most Euphobias are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 , although many species can treat inhuman conditions . The horticulture geographical zone ask for a Euphorbia varies , so condition that your specie can handle cold weather .

Water

Like most cacti and succulent , Euphorbias require minimal amounts of pee . Water just once a hebdomad during the hot outflow and summer months , and once a month during cool tumble and winter months . Spread the water equally throughout the pot . Euphorbias are prone to fungous infection , and overwatering can lead to an infection and death . It is always better to not water enough than to irrigate too much .

Types

Some of the most common type of nursery Euphorbias include the Euphorbia meloformis , a 1- to 3 - inch , squat , pear-shaped , cactus - like plant that is aboriginal to South Africa , and the Euphorbia lactea , or Elk Horn , a thorny plant aboriginal to India that can rise up to 6 foot , even in blue scant level . The Euphorbia flanaganii , or Medusa ’s Head , is an exotic Euphorbia from South Africa with multiple snake - like branches . The Medusa ’s Head will flower indoors .

Toxicity

As a defense against herbivores , Euphorbias will hemorrhage a heavyset , milklike white sap if cut open or damaged . The sap can cause mild to moderate cutis ignition , and serious complications if you get it in your eyes . The vapors from a enceinte plant ’s sap can also cause optic combustion . forthwith wash sap off skin , and consider using gloves when handling the plant life . Once the sap has dried , it is not water soluble ; launder off dry sap with milk or deal emollient . The saphead is also extremely toxic if swallowed . Take supererogatory caveat if growing a Euphorbia plant in a household with positron emission tomography or child .

References

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