Euphorbias, also referred to as spurge, are perennial plants that are simple to grow. They might be landscape plants or indoor houseplants. The euphorbia genus includes small annual plants and enormous, long-lived trees. One of the largest genera of flowering plants, the genus has approximately 2,000 species. The Americas, Madagascar, and Africa are where the majority of the succulent species are found.
Seed Propagation
Although they may be grown from seed, euphorbias can be challenging to germinate. In equal parts coarse sand and commercial seed growing mix, sow seeds in the spring. Germination takes 2 to 6 months in cold weather, but can take place in 1 to 2 weeks in warm weather.
Stem Cuttings
For many species of euphorbias, cutting-based propagation is the simplest and fastest approach. It can also be used to trim an old plant back into shape. Use a clean, sharp knife to make the cuttings. If at all possible, branching species should be clipped at the branching point. Decapitate solitary plants like Euphorbia bupleurifolia or Euphorbia piscidermis to promote the growth of side shoots that may then be pulled off and planted.
Spring, when growth begins, is the ideal season to collect cuttings, but summer is also a good period. Cuttings should only be used in an emergency to save plants with root rot since they have little chance to take root when taken in the fall or winter.
After cutting, the latex must be entirely removed in a glass of water or by spritzing. Quickly following the flow, cold water and a brief contact with a candle or match ignite.
Large-leaved Euphorbias should have the leaves chopped off with a knife directly above the cut. Before planting, the cut surface should be allowed to dry for one or better, several days, for species without leaves. Leafy Madagascan plants just require a little period of drying. Root formation will be aided by applying a hormone rooting powder to the sliced surface. The same planting media used for seeding can be used.
Rooting may take longer than anticipated, but it can be hastened by employing a thermostat-controlled warming pad to raise the soil temperature to about 77 F (25 C). Avoid being in the sun directly. Unrooted cuttings that have dried up can occasionally be salvaged by soaking in water that is at room temperature until they swell back up and can be planted again.
Some euphorbias with side shoots that can be rooted grow as branches and do not take the conventional plant form. This group includes the Medusoid Euphorbias in addition to Euphorbia brevitorta, Euphorbia groenewaldii, Euphorbia tortirama, and other species. These demand for the so-called two-step cutting technique.
Leaf Cuttings
Euphorbia francoisii, Euphorbia cylindrifolia, Euphorbia pachypodioides, Euphorbia ankarensis, and Euphorbia millotii are a few of the Madagascan Euphorbias that have been successfully propagated from leaf cuttings. Rock wool cubes are set on coarse sand in a tray, and leaves are gently removed off the plants—not cut—and placed inside of them. The sand should have water covering its surface (putting the leaves directly into damp sand also works, although with greater losses). Fungicide and hormone rooting powder help the process. The desired outcome should be achieved using both light heat and a chilly position with a plastic cover to boost humidity. The plants are ready to be potted after 40 days because they are sufficiently matured.
How long does it take for Euphorbia cuttings to root?
When the right conditions are present, the majority of the evergreen euphorbia species will self-sow. Young seedlings can be pulled off the plant. Like other perennials, the non-evergreen varieties can be divided in the early spring or the early fall. These procedures can also be used to successfully develop evergreen and woody species from cuttings.
How are Euphorbia plants replanted?
Do you have any advice for growing a huge E. Trigona? I just don’t understand how to accomplish it.
The more plant mass there is above the soil level, the more potential root mass there may be below.
Euphorbia repotting is challenging. With all those branches slamming against each other as you repot, the likelihood of getting their hazardous corrosive white sap (latex) on you is significant. In order to prevent the branches from scratching one another, we pack between the branches with tightly bunched newspaper while wearing a lot of protective clothes, such as goggles and gloves.
The roots are then cut loose from the pot’s sides using a tool. Lay the whole thing flat on a tarp on the ground. Gently remove the plant from the pot with two to three people. Succulents’ roots should generally not be disturbed too much, but if they are fully confined within their container, a modest bit of root massage to reroute the root tips is advised.
Put the plant in the new, larger pot (terracotta is recommended) with fresh, fast-draining cactus soil, making sure that the soil line at the top stays in the same position. You’re done once you’ve added extra soil all around. After two weeks of not watering, the plant’s roots should have recovered and should start to flourish once more.
Does euphorbia require direct sunlight?
In general, euphorbias need a sunny location and rich, well-drained soil. Light types, meanwhile, can tolerate some shade and do well as ground cover around shrubs and trees.
How to plant euphorbias
Dig a deep hole when planting euphorbias that have been cultivated in pots and fill it with compost or leaf mould. Euphorbia should be planted firmly, then it should be watered well and mulched to keep moisture in and weeds out.
Here, Monty Don proposes two exceptional euphorbia species and provides planting instructions. Additionally, he offers advice on how to grow euphorbias from cuttings.
How to care for euphorbias
As long as the growing environment is favorable, euphorbias don’t need feeding or special care. After the blooms have faded, blooming stems should be pruned. However, gloves must always be used when working with euphorbias because their milky sap is hazardous if consumed and irritates the skin and eyes.
How to propagate euphorbias
Euphorbias can be grown by taking springtime cuttings. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sap.
By collecting cuttings of Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii in the spring, you can learn how simple and gratifying euphorbia propagation is. Monty Don offers advice on how to maintain the cuttings’ viability, plant them, and shield your hands from the irritating sap:
When ought Euphorbia to be pruned?
Trim away any winter damage as soon as spring arrives. In order to prevent disease and pest infestation, it is a recommended grooming practice to remove dead and broken stems from the plant’s base. Some cultivars require the removal of all old growth at the base as they die to the ground each winter in order to reappear from the roots.
Only the tips of stems that sprouted the previous year are where the majority of euphorbia species bloom. Throughout the spring and summer, trim back euphorbia stems to their base right after bloom to ensure that the plant doesn’t become overloaded and produces flowers on a regular basis. Use clean hand pruners to cut off a blossoming stem at the base as it begins to turn yellow, and then compost the clippings. Pinch the tips of kinds that have a tendency to become lanky and flop over as they get taller when new stems emerge. Shorter stems are the consequence, which are better able to support blooms.
How quickly does Euphorbia expand?
The heavier stems have a tendency to point in the direction of the light as they grow. To stop the container from leaning, rotate it.
The shedding of leaves is typical. In a few months, fresh leaves will emerge at the top of the stem.
I can get up to 30 feet tall in nature. I can grow quickly indoors in a container and reach a height of 5-8 feet. From the base, fresh, light-green shoots will emerge.
You may have overwatered if you notice rotting at the plant’s base or notice that the stems are no longer spongey. By removing the top treatment and allowing the soil to breathe, you might attempt to dry it out. If the stem is still too wet, you can cut it with a fresh corrugated knife and transplant it in fresh, drier soil.
How is Euphorbia Mammillaris propagated?
The thorny bushlands of South Africa are the natural habitat of Euphorbia mammillaris. Near the plant’s base, it develops a stout main stem with tiny, club-like lateral branches. The plant’s variegated variety, which has white and green flecks throughout, is more vulnerable to bright sunlight than its all-green relative.
- ‘White Rockets’ need a lot of light, ideally at least five hours in direct sunlight. These plants can be grown indoors in a window that faces south.
- Because variegated types are more susceptible to sunburn than other varieties, if you’re growing this plant outside, place it in a spot with some light shade to shield it from the midday sun.
- Above 70 oF, Euphorbia mammillaris will flourish in high temperatures. Up to 35 oF, they can tolerate the cold.
- These semi-arid plants favor dry settings, yet they can also thrive in environments with some humidity if they want.
- Euphorbias favor arid environments. To water effectively, completely soak the soil and let it air dry in between applications.
- Water your plants regularly in the spring and summer, and less frequently in the fall and winter.
- The soil needs to be grittier and drain properly for these succulent plants. The best soil to use is one for cacti or succulents. To increase grit and drainage, soil combinations can be supplemented with sand or fine pumice up to 50%.
- ‘White Rockets’ normally bloom in the early spring through the first part of the summer. Cyathia are little, yellow flowers that grow at the ends of stems.
- Although fertilization can be administered to give plants a boost throughout the growing season or to restore depleted soil, these plants normally do not need it.
- Only during the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer once a month, diluted to half its intensity. During the fall and winter, stop using fertilizer.
- These plants can be easily multiplied from stems that branch off at offsets. Use cutting shears to separate offsets. Before planting cuttings in soil, give them a few days to callus. After the roots begin to form, keep the soil relatively dry before watering normally.
- Although euphorbias typically withstand pests and diseases, there are still a few things to watch out for. Pests that are most frequently seen are mealybugs and spider mites. Use diluted neem oil or a pesticide to treat the afflicted plants.
- Other issues to be on the lookout for include root rot and powdery mildew, which typically result from overwatering or inadequate air circulation, respectively. When growing a plant, always err on the side of underwatering and place it where it will get enough of ventilation.
- These plants need very little to no upkeep. Euphorbias prefer to be root-bound and have fine, shallow roots. One repotting should be performed every two to three years at most. Put potted plants into a container that is 2 inches wider than usual to give them room to expand.
- Every Euphorbia plant has a poisonous sap that is highly irritating to the skin and extremely toxic if consumed. Keep children and pets out of reach. When handling this plant, use gloves and exercise extreme caution.