Desert candle (Euphorbia acrurensis)

Euphorbia abyssinica with fruits on its branches

It is possible that in your country they tend to confuse the Euphorbia acrurensis  with some types of cacti. Its appearance is very similar to cactus-type plants. The truth is that they are completely different species and here we will explain much of what you should know about it.

Before starting with the data that really matters, you have to know some key facts about this species, the Euphorbia, but it is also known scientifically under the name of Euphorbia Abyssinica in some countries.

Origin of the Euphorbia acrurensis  

Euphorbia acrurensis or desert candle

This plant is of the Magnoliopsida class and belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Some claim that their place of origin is South Africa, although this species can practically be found in any tropical region and some temperate zones of the planet.

While it is true that they have an incredible resemblance to cacti, this species needs specific care and they do not have as great a resistance as cacti to live in extreme and aggressive areas. But despite the fact that they do not have the same resistance, they are used to living in areas with hot climates.

To be more specific, the species itself comes from southern Africa and over the years, it has been exported and used in many parts of the world with warm areas to decorate interiors, living rooms and gardens.

The good thing is that each plant will have a different way of growing. So that they have very few conventional aspects and that is where the charm of the species lies. At the moment it is a species that is distributed by a great number of countries with tropical climates and it is known that it has more than 5000 variations of which, only 2000 of them are officially recognized.

Features

The main characteristic and perhaps the most important for some, is that being a succulent plant, has the ability to store a certain amount of water inside, so it can easily absorb the water on the ground and use it to stay alive and hydrated in times of drought.

This gives it the advantage over other similar species, since does not need constant watering, but we'll talk about that later. On the other hand, you have to be careful with the surface of the plant since its texture can affect people's skin to the point of generating allergies or irritations. Although not everyone is prone to itthe.

It should be noted that the minimum temperature for the plant to live is about 12 ° C and it can be used in direct sunlight, or used indoors. Plant It has the peculiarity that it can live in both environments without dying.

One particular characteristic that some tend to ignore is that the plant is not for consumption. While it is true that it can store water inside, this should only be used strictly as an ornament.

Care

It is curious how this plant does not need excessive or special care, but even so, there are people who do not like this type of plant since they end up dying. The reason for this is that by looking very similar to cacti, they tend to give it the same care, and that is where the error lies.

All you have to keep in mind are four fundamental aspects to keep them alive and looking radiant. Among them are:

The lighting

Previously we commented that they can be had under direct sun or have them indoors. But it is best to place them in a semi-shady place, that is, both sun and shade shelter the plant during the day.

Irrigation

During hot times like summer, you have to give away weekly, once a week is more than enough. In cold seasons, you can do the irrigations once every 15 or 20 days.

Temperature

Euphorbia acrurensis shrub or desert candle

The plant is heat resistant but not as hot as a cactus. The good thing is that they can live at a somewhat cold temperature, but it should not drop below 7 ° C. Otherwise it will die in no time.

The subscription

Finally you will find the compost or fertilizer that you have to use. Simply add compost or fertilizer during the summer to boost its growth.

This is basically what you have to know about this plant. Just keep it in a temperate place that does not exceed 28 degrees, in an area with semi-shade and not water it so much so as not to affect its life cycle and / or growth, depending on the time you are.


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