Euphorbia - caring for a houseplant at home

Euphorbia is a genus of plants comprising a large number of species, including herbs, shrubs, and even small trees. All of them contain a poisonous sap that resembles milk. The word "euphorbia" is often associated with a weed growing outdoors. However, some species of euphorbia are grown as houseplants.

Characteristics of the Euphorbia flower with photo

The indoor euphorbia is a succulent that stores moisture in its fragile shoots and leaves. The plant's tissues contain a milky sap that exudes when damaged. This sap contains some toxic substances, which serves as protection against various pests.

Euphorbia leaves are arranged opposite each other and come in a variety of shapes and sizes:

• oblong;
• ovoid;
• torn;
• simple.

As can be seen in the photo, some indoor species of the flower have underdeveloped leaf blades that resemble thorns or hairs.

Euphorbia stems are either erect or ascending, their shape depending on the plant species. Most varieties have simple stems covered with leaves, while some have spines. There are also species that resemble cacti in appearance.

The flowers form a special type of inflorescence—sympodial, or cymose. Each inflorescence is surrounded by two bracts. Flowering occurs during the summer months, and some species also bloom in the fall.

Euphorbias include both dioecious and monoecious plants. Small, three-lobed fruits appear in the place of the flowers, which split open after ripening and disintegrate into three nuts. Each nut contains a single, smooth seed.

Species diversity

The genus Euphorbia comprises over 2,000 plants. Some grow outdoors, but there are also indoor species. The most common houseplants are:

1. Euphorbia leucoides. The most common perennial species, it resembles a palm tree. It has large oval leaves with prominent white veins. The flowers of Euphorbia leucoides are small and inconspicuous; after wilting, seeds appear in their place.

   

2. Euphorbia Tirucalli is a perennial houseplant. This succulent is characterized by its complete absence of leaves. The entire flower consists of stems extending in various directions. This species blooms rarely and only with proper care.

   

3. Euphorbia triangularis. It grows as a shrub with thick, triangular shoots. Light streaks and reddish-brown spines are clearly visible on the dark green branches. The leaves of Euphorbia triangularis are very small and resemble a spatula.

   

4. Euphorbia milii. A small shrub with a branched, ribbed stem. Its top is framed by green, oval leaves and small, clustered flowers in scarlet, purple, lemon, or orange.

   

5. Euphorbia obesum. A perennial flower resembling a round, spineless cactus. Its ribs are virtually invisible. Euphorbia obesum can reach a diameter of up to 8 cm. Small flowers sometimes appear at the top of the plant.

   

This is just a small selection of all the different types of indoor euphorbia. They are all unique and distinct in structure.

Caring for milkweed at home

Despite the large number of species, caring for ornamental spurges is relatively similar. Since euphorbia is a succulent, it's extremely easy to care for. However, to grow a beautiful and healthy plant at home, you still need to know a few care tips.

Watering and humidity

Euphorbias are able to store moisture, so you don't need to water them too often. In the summer heat, twice a month is enough. In winter, you can water the plant as little as once every 30 days.

Light

Euphorbia requires good, bright light. If it doesn't get enough light, the flower will stretch too tall and lose its appeal. Leafless varieties don't mind direct sunlight, so they can be left in the sun during midday heat. Large-leafed varieties are best shaded, as the sun's rays can burn the plant.

Temperature

All euphorbia species thrive in warm weather, and only a few tolerate low temperatures. During the growing season—summer and spring—the ideal temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. During winter dormancy, the temperature can be reduced to 10-15 degrees Celsius. The succulent should be protected from strong winds and strong temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizer

Succulents don't need fertilizing during the dormant period, but regular feeding is essential in spring and summer. Fertilizers designed for houseplants, cacti, and succulents are best. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen. Fertilize every two weeks.

Fertilize the soil before planting. Birch ash and compost can be added to the soil.

Which soil to choose?

Euphorbia substrate can be purchased at a store or prepared at home. When choosing a store-bought soil, choose one specifically designed for cacti and succulents. You can also add charcoal and compost to the prepared soil.

To prepare the soil yourself, mix equal parts coarse sand and turf. Leaf mold soil is also suitable. Mix it with sand in a 1:2 ratio, adding a few teaspoons of compost. Before planting, the soil should be baked in the oven or steamed.

Pests, diseases and treatment methods

It's not uncommon for a flower to lose its attractive appearance and begin to wilt. This can be caused by various diseases. If the flower has become unhealthy, it's necessary to adjust watering and improve lighting. The plant can also be affected by various fungi and viruses, which require chemical treatments. To determine the specific disease, a thorough inspection is necessary. The most common diseases affecting euphorbias are:

1. Gray mold. Brown spots appear on the leaves, gradually increasing in size. Over time, the milkweed leaf rots completely. To prevent rot, it's important to water the plant properly and use loose soil for planting. If the disease has already developed, treat the succulent with fungicides.

   

2. Dry spot is a fungal disease indicated by dark spots on leaf blades. The disease primarily affects older leaves, but soon spreads to younger ones. To cure the plant, treat it with systemic fungicides such as Ridomil Gold or Skorr.

   

3. Stem rot. Dark, sunken spots appear at the base of the stem, gradually expanding and affecting the internal tissues. Over time, the stem breaks, and the flower dies. Systemic and biological fungicides, such as Trichodermin, Trichophyte, Fitolavin, and others, are used against the fungus.

   

4. Tobacco mosaic is a viral disease transmitted by insects. To prevent infection, treat the plant with insecticides. If the plant is infected, its leaves become deformed and covered with multicolored spots. To cure the diseased succulent, treat it with a whey solution (100 ml of whey per 1 liter of water) with the addition of various micronutrients. The top layer of soil in the pot should also be replaced.

   

Another problem for gardeners can be pests. Euphorbias can be attacked by the following pests:

1. Aphids are small lemon- or emerald-colored insects that can be seen with the naked eye. These pests cause leaf blades to become deformed and discolored, and the flower stops developing. The insects should be removed from the plant by hand, and the affected areas should be trimmed off. Afterwards, treat the flower with Fitoverm or another insecticide.

   

2. Whiteflies are small, yellow-and-white midges that are easy to spot. The most dangerous are the whitefly larvae, which feed on plant sap. As a result, affected leaves become spotted, curl, and fall off. To treat the succulent, trim off the damaged areas and treat with an insecticide.

   

3. Root mealybugs are small white insects that infest plant roots. They are difficult to spot; they appear on the root collar of the plant some time after the infestation. The leaves of the affected plant turn yellow and fall off. To get rid of the insects, dig up the plant and clean the roots of soil and the mealybugs. Then, treat the root system and the plant with an insecticide. The pot should be disinfected and filled with fresh soil.

   

4. The red spider mite is a small parasite that primarily attacks young leaves. Its presence can be indicated by white or yellow spots on young leaves. Infected plants may become covered in webbing. Treating with a soapy solution can help remove the parasites. For severe infestations, acaricides are used.

   

To prevent diseases or parasites, it's important to follow proper care. Regularly inspecting the plant is also essential to identify problems early.

How to propagate and transplant a flower at home?

Euphorbia should be repotted in the spring, once every few years. This is necessary if the plant has grown too large or is suffering from root rot. The repotting process can be broken down into several steps:

1. Choose a suitable pot. It shouldn't be too spacious, but it should still have enough room for the plant's rapidly growing roots.
2. Place a layer of drainage material on the bottom of the pot and sprinkle some tree bark on top.
3. Water the flower generously.
4. Carefully remove it from the pot.
5. Remove damaged and rotten roots.
6. Shake off excess soil.
7. Place the plant in a prepared pot and sprinkle with soil.
8. Compact carefully and water.

The plant can be propagated during repotting. To do this, carefully divide the root into several pieces. Each piece should contain at least one bud. Treat the cut areas with charcoal, then replant the plants in separate pots.

Euphorbia can also be propagated using seeds and cuttings. To germinate the seeds, follow these steps:

1. Sow seeds in light soil to a depth of 2.5 cm.
2. Cover the container with film and ventilate regularly.
3. Keep the soil moist.

Propagation by cuttings also includes several stages:

1. Pinch off a small leaf from an adult plant.
2. Sprinkle with root growth stimulator.
3. Plant in soil and water generously.
4. Cover with film.
5. Ventilate regularly.

The rooting process for cuttings takes about a month. This is the most common method of propagating milkweed, as it is the simplest.

Common questions about milkweed care

Euphorbia is an easy-to-grow houseplant suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners. Euphorbia requires little care and doesn't require frequent watering or fertilizing.