Euphorbia poissonii – Succulent plants

Euphorbia poissonii is a decorative toxic succulent member of the large and varied spurge family of plants. It is an erect, much-branched, succulent shrub up to 2 m tall, with candelabra-form branching, with one to several columns and topped with large green leaves during the growing season, occasionally sub-spiny. The branches are cylindrical, succulent, up to 4 cm thick, green to silvery-grey on old trees, smooth, glabrous and full of white latex. The flowers are yellow/green or greenish with red stamens, up to 1.3 cm in diameter, bud trigonous, ornamented with 5 red glands.

When a plant gets damaged it exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex (resin) is poisonous contains some of the most potent irritants known. The latex is particularly dangerous for the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. So pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes or mouth. Keep it away from children and pets.

Scientific Classification:

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

Scientific Name: Euphorbia poissonii Pax
Synonyms: Euphorbia poissoni

How to grow and maintain Euphorbia poissonii:

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 soil 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:
It 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. Also can be propagated from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate.

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