Euphorbia HORRIDA

Euphorbia HORRIDA - African milk barrel, Horrid spurge, Euphorbia horrida.

An original and unusual plant!

Euphorbia is a genus of succulent and non-succulent plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising about 2,000 species that grow 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, which store water, making them resistant to drought and irregular watering. Plants vary greatly in appearance: herbs, shrubs, trees, cactus-like forms, with a 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 in specialized inflorescences - cyathia, surrounded by bracts often mistaken for petals. The fruits are three-celled capsules containing rounded or ovate seeds.

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

Euphorbia horrida is a succulent up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height; the stems are cylindrical, up to 15 cm (6 in) wide. The broad stem is divided by numerous ribs and deep grooves between the ribs. The margins of the ribs of this spurge can be undulate, covered with numerous and rigid spines. Outwardly, it is also very similar to a cactus. In winter, watering is rare, solely to keep branches from wilting and roots from drying out; in summer, watering is increased. Euphorbia horrida grows well in diffused sunlight.

Seeds are sown superficially or with slight burying, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), into a loose sandy-peat substrate. The sowings are moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and kept at a temperature of 21-25 °C (70-77 °F) in the light, but not under direct rays. Overwatering and complete drying out of the sowings must be avoided. To prevent prolonged condensation retention, the container is aired 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

Seedlings appear within 12-25 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 40 days. When seedlings emerge, the covering is gradually removed. Pricking out is performed after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, and the plants are transplanted into individual pots.

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It prefers bright illumination and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to diffused light. With sufficient light, the stem coloration becomes richer and can acquire a yellowish tint. In partial shade, it develops slowly and loses its compact shape, with stems stretching and losing their ornamental appeal.

In summer, the optimal maintenance temperature is 21-28 °C (70-82 °F), in winter 15-18 °C (59-64 °F), not below 12 °C (54 °F). In the cold season, the plant requires a dormant period. Watering is carried out moderately as the soil dries out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, solely to prevent complete drying out of the substrate. Excess moisture causes rotting.

It grows in light, breathable succulent potting mix consisting of equal parts sod, 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 taken towards the root system. Fertilizers are applied in spring and summer 1-2 times with fertilizers for succulents. An excess of nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of ornamental quality and elongation of shoots. Organic fertilizers improve coloration and tissue density.

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