- What should be considered when watering a Euphorbia?
- How does a Euphorbia cope with repotting?
- Should the subspecies of the genus Euphorbia be pruned?
- Which pests and diseases can euphorbias endanger?
- What should be considered when fertilizing spurge plants?
- How can the different Euphorbia species be overwintered?
In German-speaking countries, the plant genus Euphorbia is usually also referred to as the genus of the so-called spurge family. The more than 2,000 known species of this genus have a latex-like and mostly quite poisonous plant sap in common, otherwise the various spurge plants present themselves in an almost unmanageable variety.
The Euphorbia tirucalli can be propagated by cuttings
What should be considered when watering a Euphorbia?
Basically, it is very difficult to make statements about the care of the genus as a whole, since there are spurge plants that have adapted to a wide variety of site conditions. However, a large part of the euphorbia grows succulent and therefore only needs occasional and very sparing watering. The triangular spurge, which looks like a cactus, should also be treated like a cactus when it comes to moisture and watered very cautiously. Except for the swamp spurge, all other spurge species have an aversion to waterlogging in the root area. Poinsettias don't do well when sprayed with water along with the leaves. Rather, they should be watered deeply with the entire root ball.
How does a Euphorbia cope with repotting?
In principle, euphorbias are rather insensitive when repotting, but special cactus soil should also be used for the succulent species. Be careful and use suitable gloves to protect yourself from injuries caused by sometimes very sharp thorns. In addition, repotting and cutting are not always harmless, as you can come into contact with the poisonous milky sap.
Should the subspecies of the genus Euphorbia be pruned?
A pruning is only rarely necessary for the healthy growth of euphorbia. However, the following spurge plants are particularly suitable for propagation by cuttings:
- Euphorbia tirucalli
- Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Euphorbia ingenus
Which pests and diseases can euphorbias endanger?
Snails avoid euphorbia like the plague. Whiteflies and aphids can occasionally become a problem in the spurge family and can be combated with commercially available means.
What should be considered when fertilizing spurge plants?
Spurge species such as the Balkan spurge or the shadow spurge can be well cared for in the garden with deposited compost mixed with some bark mulch. In contrast, euphorbias cultivated as houseplants (which are usually also succulents) are supplied with cactus fertilizer about every 14 days. However, this only applies to the summer growth phase, since fertilization should be completely reduced during the winter months.
How can the different Euphorbia species be overwintered?
Last but not least, many subspecies of the genus Euphorbia are cultivated as houseplants because they are only very partially or not at all frost hardy. Although these euphorbias can be kept outdoors as potted plants throughout the summer, they should be brought to a bright place in the house with a temperature of at least 10 to 15 degrees Celsius in good time before winter. Nevertheless, there are also species of the spurge family that can survive the winter in this country with a certain degree of protection against the cold outdoors.
tips
With the variety of shapes and special features, always pay close attention to the individual needs of your Euphorbia. This is the only way you can exploit the potential of the respective plant in a targeted manner and enjoy healthy growth.