Euphorbia, the most diverse plant genus

View of the Euphorbia caput-medusae plant

Euphorbia caput-medusae

To speak of the Euphorbia is to speak of a genus made up of more than 2000 species of plants which can be annual or perennial herbs, or succulent shrubs or trees. They grow in temperate and warm regions around the world, so you almost certainly have some in your garden, orchard, or in your succulent collection 😉.

SoIf you want to know more about them and their care, this special article is for you..

Origin and characteristics of the Euphorbia

Leaves and flowers of Euphorbia cotinifolia

Euphorbia cotinifolia

The Euphorbia are plants that are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and America. We also find some species in temperate zones. Succulent species grow only on the African continent, the American continent and Madagascar.

They are characterized by growing as small trees, shrubs or herbs, some even have thorns, but what all species have in common is that they contain latex. This, if it comes into contact with any wound or cut, produces an intense itch.

The flowers are grouped in very small inflorescences, green or yellow depending on the variety., and they are unisexual which means that there are female flowers and male flowers. These usually sprout in spring or late summer, and produce nectar.

Main species

Shrubs and herbs

Euphorbia hierosolymitana

Leaves and flowers of the Euphorbia hierosolymitania

It is a shrub plant endemic to Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey that grows in Mediterranean forests and scrublands, as well as in semi-steppe thickets and in the mountains.

Euphorbia palustris

Euphorbia palustris specimens

It is an endemic plant from Europe to northern China that blooms in spring. It is formed by branched stems that reach a height of about 40 centimeters. It can be used as an ornamental plant.

Euphorbia peplus

Leaves and flowers of the Euphorbia peplus

It is an annual herb that it is found in the Mediterranean region and in Macaronesia. It reaches a height of up to 25 centimeters.

Ornamental plants

Euphorbia milii

Euphorbia milii, a perfect plant to decorate

Known as Crown of christ It is a thorny shrub native to Madagascar that can reach 150cm in height. It produces very decorative red or yellow inflorescences.

Obese euphorbia

Euphorbia obesa specimen

It is a succulent plant endemic to South Africa that grows in a cylindrical shape. With a maximum height of 20cm, it is ideal for growing in pots as part of a collection of succulents.

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Euphorbia pulcherrima, the Christmas plant

Known as poinsettia, Christmas flower, poinsettia or poinsettia, It is a shrub native to tropical America that reaches a height of between 2 and 5 meters. In winter, it produces red, yellow, or variegated bracts (false petals) that protect newly sprouted flowers. For more information, Click here, from where you can download our ebook dedicated to this beautiful plant.

How are they cared for?

Would you like to have some Euphorbia in your patio or garden? Follow our tips to have it perfect:

Location

These plants they need to be in a very bright area, preferably in full sun. If the temperature drops below 0 degrees in your area, I recommend keeping your horse indoors, in a room with plenty of natural light.

Soil or substrate

They are not demanding, but they will grow better in those who have good sewer system. If you get succulent Euphorbias, plant them in peat mixed with perlite in equal parts, so the risk of the roots rotting will be low.

Irrigation

Irrigation it has to be rather scarce. During the summer, they will be watered twice a week, and the rest of the year every 5-10 days.

Multiplication

Detail of the curious plant Euphorbia tirucalli

Euphorbia Tiruculli.

  • Seeds: in spring or summer. You have to use seedlings with vermiculite, and keep it moist, in semi-shade. It's hard.
  • Cuttings: shrub species can be multiplied by cuttings in spring or autumn. Cut a stem of about 20cm, impregnate it with rooting hormones, and plant it in a pot with universal growing substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts. It will root in 15-20 days.

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During spring and summer they must be paid for example with Nitrofoska, one or two small tablespoons every 15 days. If they are succulents, you can also pay them with a specific fertilizer for cacti and succulents following the instructions specified on the package.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring, when the risk of frost has passed. In the case of having them in a pot, they will need a larger one every 2-3 years.

Rusticity

Generally, they do not resist cold or frost. However, there are some species such as Obese euphorbia or the Euphorbia tirucallii that can withstand specific temperatures of up to -2ºC.

What uses do they have?

Ornamental

It is the most widespread use today. There are many species that can be cared for in a pot or in the ground. Some grow as trees, others as shrubs and others remain as small plants. Having them is always a wonderful experience, since as we have seen, their care is minimal.

Medicinal

From the seeds of the Euphorbia Lathyris., better known as spurge, a latex is extracted that is used as a purgative.

Euphorbia toxicity

Detail of the spines of the Euphorbia grandicornis

Euphorbia Grandicornis

These plants are very pretty, but you have to be very careful with the acrid and milky sap that comes out of them. When in contact with the skin and / or mucous membranes can cause irritation and painful inflammation. Therefore, every time you have to transplant them, don't forget to put on gloves, just in case 🙂.

What do you think of these plants?


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