Due to the poisonous plant sap, every subspecies of the spurge family should be cultivated with a certain amount of caution and care. Nevertheless, some representatives of this plant genus that are popular as houseplants can be easily propagated.

The spit palm belongs to the spurge family

Grow your own offshoots from the poinsettia

At first glance, the poinsettia with its eye-catching flowers, which is offered in shops every year during Advent, has little to do with the triangular spurge, but both plant species belong equally to the genus of the spurge family. The poinsettia is only propagated from seeds in countries like Australia, where the warmer climate allows the seeds to mature on the much larger specimens. On the windowsill, the poinsettia is better propagated vegetatively via cuttings. For this purpose, healthy mother plants of sufficient size should be selected first. Cuttings are then cut with protective gloves according to the following criteria:

  • Length of about 15 cm
  • with about four to five leaves
  • very large leaves are cut in half (otherwise excessive evaporation)
  • targeted "wound closure" with hot water

So that the white milky sap from inside the plant coagulates and the cuttings don't "bleed out" and dry up straight away, they should be placed in warm water for a short time immediately after cutting. In addition, the chance of successful root formation improves when special root hormones are used to stimulate root formation.

Propagate the spit palm yourself

The spit palm is also very popular as a houseplant in many houses due to its exotic appearance. In the wild, this type of plant reproduces extremely effectively by spreading seeds far around the plant. Since pruning the spit palm can usually affect plant health and visual appearance, propagation is preferably carried out using the seeds. These can be specifically removed from the striking inflorescences at the time of ripening and placed in moist substrate. Seedlings should soon be discovered in a bright and warm location if the substrate is kept slightly moist without waterlogging.

The propagation of the pencil bush

You can also easily propagate the pencil bush (Euphorbia tirucalli) yourself. However, you should first let the freshly cut cuttings dry for about two days before sticking them in a suitable succulent substrate. The location should be free from direct sunlight, but bright, warm and moderately humid.

tips

Protective gloves should always be worn so that the multiplication of the various euphorbias does not pose a health risk. Sufficient ventilation must also be ensured so that substances from the evaporating plant sap cannot be absorbed through the breathing air.

Category:

Indoor plants