Euphorbia LATHYRIS

Euphorbia LATHYRIS - Caper spurge, Euphorbia lathyris, Mole plant, Caper Spurge.

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, characterized by high adaptability 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 thorns, that 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 frequently 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 special 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 the wild, but most euphorbias are well adapted for indoor cultivation and are valued for their ornamental qualities, original forms, and hardiness.

Caper spurge is an herbaceous biennial plant with an erect stem bearing a glaucous (blue-green or blue-gray) tint. The taproot system is well developed and capable of penetrating to considerable depths, allowing the plant to efficiently extract moisture from the soil. The leaves are arranged oppositely, have a lanceolate shape, and display a bluish-green coloration. When the stem or leaves are damaged, a white milky sap is exuded.

In each cyathium inflorescence, numerous male flowers are arranged in a circle around a single female flower at the center. The flowers are small, unisexual, and colored in a yellowish-green hue. Petals are absent.

The fruits form as a smooth three-lobed capsule, with each lobe containing a single seed that is oval in shape, grayish in color, and possesses a small fleshy appendage at the apex.

Seeds are sown on the surface or with light burying, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), in a loose sandy-peat substrate. The plantings are moistened from 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 light, but not under direct rays. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and complete drying out of the plantings. To prevent prolonged condensation buildup, the container is aired 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

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

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It prefers bright lighting and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to diffused 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, stems stretch out and lose their ornamental appeal.

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

It grows in a light, breathable soil for succulents consisting of equal parts sod, leaf mold, coarse sand, and charcoal. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel is required. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 3-4 years, with care taken toward the root system. Fertilizing is done in spring and summer 1-2 times with fertilizers for succulents. An excess of nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of ornamental qualities and stretching of shoots. Organic fertilizers improve tissue coloration and density.

Pruning is performed sanitarily to remove damaged sections. Propagation is possible by seeds and cuttings that root after drying. Seeds produce good emergence when germination conditions are observed; when handling cuttings, skin protection against milky sap is essential.