Euphorbia cylindrifolia var. cylindrifolia – Succulent plants

Euphorbia cylindrifolia var. cylindrifolia is a small, beautiful cushion-forming succulent that grows up to 4 inches in diameter with a rosette of narrow, serpent-like stems arising from a short, central subterranean caudex. The branches are erect, ascending-spreading, or decumbent at the circumference, which looks like a bunch of octopus tentacles and twists over each other to form a rather lumpy hemispheric cushion. The leaves are in tufted rosettes at the tips of the branches, dark reddish-green, fleshy, terete, deeply channeled on the upper side and bent into a hook at the tip. It produces yellow-pink-gray or violet flowers.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. cylindrifolia
Scientific Name: Euphorbia cylindrifolia Marn.-Lap. & Rauh
Synonyms: Euphorbia cylindrifolia var. cylindrifolia

How to grow and care for Euphorbia cylindrifolia var. cylindrifolia

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 cylindrifolia can be easily propagated by grafting seeds 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 cylindrifolia may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.