Euphorbia fasciculata – Succulent plant

Euphorbia fasciculata is an ornamental, succulent plant with small pickle shaped succulent shrublet and prominent spiny tubercles, sometimes looking like a green pineapple, usually single-stemmed however may branch with age. The upright growing stem is club-shaped with enormous conelike tubercles. The spines are only the stout, woody, withered remains of fertile peduncles that endure. The Cyathia solitary or in simple cymes, arising above the spines, peduncles with a few 2-3 cm long scattered and deciduous bracts. Nectar glans oblong, edge with three to eight entire or bifid linear, separated, processes up to 1,5 mm long. Flowering can be achieved within five or eight years.

Euphorbia fasciculata contains a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex is poisonous and may irritate the skin. Pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes or mouth. Keep it away from pets and children.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. fasciculata
Scientific Name: Euphorbia fasciculata

How to care and grow Euphorbia fasciculata ?

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, 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 fasciculata can be easily propagated from seed sown during spring or summer. Germination occurs within three weeks. Also can be propagated by cuttings.

Pests and Diseases

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