Euphorbia fianarantsoae – Succulent plants

Euphorbia fianarantsoae is an ornamental, perennial succulent spiny shrub. It grows up to 20 inches tall and densely branched from the base. The leaves are lanceolate, grouped at the tip of the branches. The inflorescences appear at the top of the stems and are similar to the flowers exhibited by the Euphorbia millii complex. The inflorescence is a cyathium with yellow or reddish-yellow bracts that form a cup-shaped petal-like structure around a female blossom encompassed by five male blossoms.

Euphorbia fianarantsoae contains a white latex sap that can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Use gloves and eye protection to handle.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. fianarantsoae
Scientific Name: Euphorbia fianarantsoae Ursch & Leandri

How to grow and care for Euphorbia fianarantsoae

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

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 can be easily propagated by 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.