Euphorbia brunellii – Succulent plants

Euphorbia brunellii is an evergreen perennial, geophyte succulent plant with a tuberous root, steeply tapering into a long, horizontal, ascending root with several lateral roots, Subterranean root-derived vines, covered with leaves. The leaves are oval to elliptical and it will shed leaves quickly, leaving numerous scars. Leaves are shed whenever the conditions become arid. It produces white or pinkish flowers (cyathia) appearing before the leaves. The milky sap of Euphorbia brunellii plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations and even temporary blindness, and death may result if any of its parts are eaten. Therefore Euphorbia brunellii should be handled with caution and keep it away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. brunellii
Scientific Name: Euphorbia brunellii
Synonyms: Euphorbia rubella var. brunellii

How to grow and care Euphorbia brunellii

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

It can be easily propagated by seed and 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 brunellii may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider