Euphorbia ambovombensis – Succulent plants

Euphorbia ambovombensis is one of the most attractive dwarf geophyte perennial succulent plants. The stems are thin and roundish 10-20 cm long, 5 mm thick, branched mostly from the base, covered with prominent brown abscission leaf scars. It has a large, Spherical, oval or in varied irregular shapes, grey-brown caudex and does not spread through underground stems.

The leaves are thick, leathery, colored in shades of green, brown, and copper, wavy, their edges curled up, spirally arranged at the ends of branches, very variable in size and shape. The leaf edge waviness relies upon developing conditions particularly water accessibility and intensity of exposure to sunlight. The flowers are light green or light brown emerging between the leaves giving the plant an ethereal feel.

Euphorbia produces a milky sap called latex that is toxic and causes a skin rash, itching, and general discomfort, and they should be handled with caution, particularly when pruning.

Scientific classification:

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. ambovombensis

Scientific Name: Euphorbia ambovombensis Rauh & Razaf.

How to grow and maintain Euphorbia ambovombensis:

Light:
It prefers full to partial sunlight but can tolerate shade. Provides good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day.

Soil:
It grows well in well-draining, gritty soils or cactus potting mix. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil.

Water:
Water regularly during the active growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature:
It prefers an optimal temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit – 85 degrees Fahrenheit / 16 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during its growing season in the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing your plant during the fall and winter months.

Re-potting:
Re-pot every two years and trim off the dead ‘arms’.

Propagation:
Euphorbia ambovombensis can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting. The seed will lose viability in storage, so the seed should be planted as soon after harvesting as possible. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.

Pests and Diseases:
Euphorbia ambovombensis may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.