Euphorbia debilispina – Succulent plants

Euphorbia debilispina is a dwarf spiny shrublet with densely branched clumps. The branches subcylindric or obtusely subquadrangular, tapering below into a stalk-like base. They are greyish-green to bluish-green with reddish tinge in full sun. The leaves are small, fleshy and funnel-shaped. Euphorbia debilispina has browmish or whitish spine shields along the margins of the angles that bear short paired spines. It produce bisexual small yellow flowers. The fruits are 3 lobed capsules and the seeds are ovoid, densely verrucose, brown with white, brown and blackish markings.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. debilispina
Scientific Name: Euphorbia debilispina
Common Name: Madagascar Bonsai

How to grow and care for Euphorbia debilispina

Light

Most of the Euphorbia prefer 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

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