Euphorbia biselegans – Succulent plants

Euphorbia biselegans is a rare perennial succulent shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 m tall. The stems are sparsely branched with a flaking shiny yellowish brown papery bark. The branches eventually become pendulous with groups of three slender spines below the leaf-scars in three to five longitudinal series. The leaves are glabrous, fleshy, obovate, margins toothed, undulate, midrib keeled, and toothed on the lower surface.

The flowers (cyathia) are barrel-shaped involucres, white-edged with red. Lobes 5 x 2 mm, deeply divided into 5-7 segments. Male flowers with stamens 6.5 mm long. Female flower with styles 5 mm long, joined at the base with deeply bifid spreading apices. The ovary is pubescent on a reflexed pedicel.

Euphorbia contains a white latex sap that can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Use gloves and eye protection to handle.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. biselegans
Scientific Name: Euphorbia biselegans Bruyns
Synonyms: Monadenium elegans S.Carter

How to grow and care Euphorbia biselegans

Light

It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provides good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it regularly so that your plant doesn’t begin to grow lopsided.

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 growing season. You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, which can potentially kill it off.

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.

Propagation

Euphorbia biselegans can be easily propagated by cuttings. Take cutting in spring, which needs to be dried out for a couple of weeks in shade before potting. This can be tricky, because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias.

Pests and Diseases

Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.