Euphorbia enopla – Succulent plants

Euphorbia enopla (Pincushion Euphorbia) heavily branching dioecious succulent shrub that grows up to 30-100 cm, much branched from the base, profusely covered with thick, prominent lovely long red spines. The green, grey-green or bluish-green, ribbed branches are up to 3 cm in diameter, with the beautiful spines tightly arranged in rows along the ribbed edges. The stems often branch out towards the upper section, forming a candelabra-like effect. Leaves are very small and remain only briefly on the plant before falling off. The male and female cyathia (blossoms) are found on separate plants. The male blossoms being yellow and the female flowers reportedly dark red.

Scientific classification:

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia

Scientific Name: Euphorbia enopla Boiss.
Synonyms: Euphorbia enopla var. enopla
Common Name: Pincushion Euphorbia

How to grow and maintain Euphorbia enopla:

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:
You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. Before watering the plant check underneath the pot through the drainage holes to see if the roots are dry. If so then add some water. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, that can potentially kill it off.

Temperature:
It prefers an optimal temperatures 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 can be easily propagated by cuttings. Take cutting in spring, which needs to be dried out for a couple of weeks before potting. Also can be propagated from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate.

Pests and Diseases:
Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.