Euphorbia ATROPURPUREA

Euphorbia ATROPURPUREA - Purple tabaiba, Dark-purple spurge, Euphorbia atropurpurea.

An original and unusual plant!

Euphorbia is a genus of succulent and non-succulent plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), comprising about 2,000 species growing in tropical and subtropical regions of all continents, characterized by high adaptation to diverse climatic conditions and growth forms - from herbs to trees and shrubs.

Members 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 widely in appearance: herbs, shrubs, trees, cactus-like forms, with a shared feature being the presence of milky latex, which often contains toxic substances. Leaves can be large or reduced, simple or lobed, often shedding during the dry season.

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

Many species reach large sizes in nature, yet most euphorbias are well suited for indoor cultivation and are valued for their ornamental appeal, original forms, and resilience.

Dark-purple spurge is a representative of Macaronesian arborescent euphorbias. It is a shrub reaching a height of 0.3-1.5 m (1.0-4.9 ft). The branches are cinnamon-colored. Leaves are clustered at the tips of shoots, glaucous-green, sometimes with a reddish tinge, comparatively large, up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long, lanceolate-spatulate, obtuse at the apex. Inflorescences consist of 5-15 rays, each of which in turn bears four cyathia. Bract leaves surrounding the cyathia are reniform, fused at the base, and purplish-red. Nectaries are yellowish-green and oval. Fruits are dark reddish-brown and glabrous. Endemic to the island of Tenerife. It grows on rocky sites in the succulent shrub belt at altitudes of 300-1200 m (984-3937 ft). A form with yellow apical leaves is occasionally encountered.

Seeds are sown on the surface or with light covering, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), into loose sand-peat substrate. Sowings are moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a propagator or covered with film, and kept at 21-25 °C (70-77 °F) in light, but not direct sun. Waterlogging and complete drying out of sowings must be avoided. To prevent prolonged condensation buildup, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

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

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Prefers bright light and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to indirect light. With sufficient lighting, stem coloration becomes richer and can take on a yellowish tint. In partial shade, it develops slowly and loses its compact form, with stems stretching and losing ornamental value.

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

It grows in light, airy succulent soil consisting of equal parts 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, handling the root system with care. Fertilizers are applied in spring and summer 1-2 times with succulent fertilizers. Excess nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of decorative appeal and stretched shoots. Organic fertilizers improve tissue color and density.

Pruning is carried out sanitarily to remove damaged areas. Propagation is possible by seeds and cuttings, which root after being dried. Seeds give good germination when proper conditions are maintained; when working with cuttings, skin protection from milky latex is essential.