Euphorbia confinalis (Lebombo Euphorbia) – Succulent plants

Euphorbia confinalis (Lebombo Euphorbia) is an ornamental, evergreen spiny succulent tree that grows up to 9.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide. The trunk is simple with several main branches, each with a crown of curved ascending branches. The branches are three to five angled, pale green to blue-green. The spines are paired. It produces small yellow flowers that appear just above the spines in groups of three. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Lebombo Euphorbia should be handled with caution and kept
away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. Confinalis
Scientific Name: Euphorbia Confinalis
Common Name: Lebombo Euphorbia

How to grow and care for Euphorbia Confinalis (Lebombo Euphorbia)

Light

It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provide good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it in 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 Confinalis can be propagated by grafting or seeds. 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. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.

Pests and Diseases

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