Euphorbia

The Euphorbia genus, which gave its name to the Euphorbiaceae family, is one of the most diverse in form of its constituent species in the entire plant kingdom: from the most beautiful poinsettia (E. pulcherrima) to the small milkweed (E. milii) and euphorbia Keyes (E. keisii), which very much resemble representatives of Cactaceae. From cacti, milkweeds differ mainly in flowers collected in inflorescences, as well as in the presence in plant tissues of white milky juice, which is poisonous in very many species for humans - both upon contact and when ingested. The stalk of milkweed usually erect and short, with numerous shoots that have protruding smooth or serrated ribs covered with short strong spines. In some species, the shoots are made up of a number of segments (articulated with each other), sometimes they are covered with yellowish specks. Let us recall a number of other species belonging to this genus: false cactus euphorbia (E. pseudocactus), Abyssinian euphorbia (E. abyssinica), Canary euphorbia (E. canadensis), triangular euphorbia (E. trigona) and triangular euphorbia (E. triangularis).

The Euphorbia genus, which gave its name to the Euphorbiaceae family, is one of the most diverse in form of its constituent species in the entire plant kingdom: from the most beautiful poinsettia (E. pulcherrima) to the small milkweed (E. milii) and euphorbia Keyes (E. keisii), which very much resemble representatives of Cactaceae. From cacti, milkweeds differ mainly in flowers collected in inflorescences, as well as in the presence in plant tissues of white milky juice, which is poisonous in very many species for humans - both upon contact and when ingested. The stalk of milkweed usually erect and short, with numerous shoots that have protruding smooth or serrated ribs covered with short strong spines. In some species, the shoots are made up of a number of segments (articulated with each other), sometimes they are covered with yellowish specks. Let us recall a number of other species belonging to this genus: false cactus euphorbia (E. pseudocactus), Abyssinian euphorbia (E. abyssinica), Canary euphorbia (E. canadensis), triangular euphorbia (E. trigona) and triangular euphorbia (E. triangularis).

Cultivation

Milkweed can only be cultivated outdoors in temperate climates, and in more severe conditions, it should be grown indoors. Plants do not require special care, they are not watered much, but they need the sun, they can withstand even direct rays, and are able to tolerate, although not for long (no more than a month), a temperature drop of up to 5 °C. There are hybrids that can withstand a lower temperature. When growing a plant in the open air (if, according to forecasts, the winter should be cold) for the rest period, it is removed to a well-lit closed place until spring; the room is heated or no, it doesn't matter, as long as it's not too cold.

Location

Milkweed species require a lot of light, moreover, unlike other plants, with rare exceptions, they do not suffer from direct sunlight, and variegated species, those generally lose their characteristic color in the shade.

Temperature

These plants do not need either too high or too low ambient air temperature: the optimal temperature is about 18-20 °C, although some species can tolerate a drop in temperature to 4-5 °C.

Watering

In the period from spring to autumn, milkweed should not be over-watered, and by winter watering is almost completely stopped. When watering, try not to moisten the stem and twigs to avoid their rotting.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new container is carried out when the plant's dormant period ends in the spring. Usually choose a container slightly larger than the previous one, filled with soil for cactus or succulent plants, at least 1/z of the volume consisting of sand. Drainage is very carefully arranged: the bottom of the pot is covered with a layer of clay shards, pebbles or expanded clay.

Care

You should pay special attention to this procedure: it is not recommended to touch any kind of milkweed with your hands - you can prick yourself on the spines, so brush off the dust with a brush.

Reproduction

Propagated mainly by cuttings. In late spring, you can prepare cuttings, carefully making sure that the milky juice does not get on the exposed parts of the body. It will take several days for the sections to dry thoroughly, after which the cuttings are planted in sandy soil. While rooting is underway, direct sunlight should be avoided, and the soil should be kept in a fairly moist state.

Diseases

If these plants are not overly watered, then in general there are no serious problems with them. There are lesions of worms, which are disposed of by treatment with appropriate anticoccidal drugs or by collecting pests manually.

Acquisition

Milkweed is easily available in horticultural centers. It is easy to choose from a variety of types if you know exactly what you are going to place and where you are going to place it (the size of plants varies greatly depending on the type). You just need to make sure that the plant is healthy.