Euphorbia succulenta – Succulent plants

Euphorbia succulenta is a perennial succulent, branching at the base of a large fleshy rootstock and forming a domed cushion up to 60 cm in diameter. The blossoms have a bract cup that is white or light pink. They are small but interesting and showy when produced in large numbers. The leaves are produced at the growing point, but they last only one season. They are succulent and shot through with purple-pink streaks through the light green background. There is considerable variability in the diameter of the stems, number and size of tubercles, the shape of leaves and length of inflorescences.

Scientific Classification:

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

Scientific Name: Euphorbia succulenta
Synonyms: Monadenium succulentum, Euphorbia succulenta var. succulenta, Euphorbia neostapelioides, Monadenium stapelioides

How to grow and maintain Euphorbia succulenta:

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 may be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.