Euphorbia COOPERI

Euphorbia COOPERI - Lesser candelabra tree, Cooper's euphorbia.

Euphorbia is a genus of succulent and non-succulent plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), comprising about 2000 species growing in tropical and subtropical regions across all continents, and characterized by high adaptation to diverse climatic conditions and growth forms - from herbs to trees and shrubs.

Representatives of the genus have thickened, fleshy, often ribbed stems, sometimes with spines that store water, which makes them resistant to drought and irregular watering. Plants vary greatly in appearance: herbs, shrubs, trees, and cactus-like forms, with the common feature being the presence of milky sap that often contains toxic substances. Leaves can be large or reduced, simple or lobed, often shedding during the dry season.

Small and inconspicuous flowers are gathered into specialized inflorescences - cyathia, surrounded by bracts often mistaken for petals. The fruits are three-celled capsules containing rounded or ovoid seeds.

Many species reach large sizes in nature, but most euphorbias are well adapted for indoor cultivation and are valued for their ornamental appeal, original forms, and endurance.

Euphorbia cooperi is a spiny succulent tree with candelabra-like branches. Dead branches of this euphorbia do not decay as in other tree euphorbias, but remain in the crown for some time, emphasizing the candelabra form, and gradually bleaching. This tree has a distinct trunk, straight, gray to dark gray or brown in color, up to 3(5) m (10(16) ft) in height, with round holes from fallen branches. Branches are bright green or yellow-green, 4-6-winged, characteristically consisting of segments with an expanding rounded base and narrowed end, resembling links of a chain. Spines are located on the margins of the branch ribs, in pairs. Along the outer margins of the ribs there are narrow and compact spine shields running along them.

Seeds are sown on the surface or with light embedding, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), into a loose sandy-peat substrate. Sowings are moistened from a spray bottle, placed in a greenhouse or covered with film, and kept at a temperature of 21-25 °C (70-77 °F) in light, but not under direct rays. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and complete drying out of the sowings. To prevent prolonged condensation retention, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

Sprouts appear within 12-25 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 40 days. When sprouts appear, the cover is gradually removed. Pricking out is performed after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, and plants are potted into individual containers.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

It prefers bright lighting and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to diffused light. With sufficient lighting, stem coloration becomes more vivid and can acquire a yellowish hue. In partial shade, it develops slowly and loses its compact form, stems stretch out and lose their ornamental appeal.

In summer, the optimal maintenance temperature is 21-28 °C (70-82 °F), and in winter - 15-18 °C (59-64 °F), no lower than 12 °C (54 °F). During cold periods, the plant requires a dormant season. Watering is carried out moderately as the soil dries out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, just to avoid complete desiccation of the substrate. Excess moisture causes rot.

It grows in light, breathable soil for succulents consisting of equal parts of sod soil, leaf mold, coarse sand, and charcoal. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel is mandatory. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 3-4 years, with care for the root system. Fertilizers are applied in spring and summer 1-2 times with succulent fertilizers. Excess nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of ornamental appeal and elongation of shoots. Organic fertilizers improve coloration and tissue density.

Pruning is performed sanitarily, to remove damaged areas. Propagation is possible by seeds and cuttings that root after drying out. Seeds give good germination when germination conditions are observed; when working with cuttings, skin protection from milky sap is necessary.