Pincushion Euphorbia – Succulent plant

Pincushion Euphorbia is very attractive Euphorbia that makes an ideal houseplant with heavily branching dioecious succulent shrub that grow up to 12-40 inches tall and much branched from the base, profusely covered with thick, prominent long red spines. It has tiny, ephemerals leaves. The spines are reddish-brown turning purple-blackish and finally grey. Each spine can grow 1-3 inches. Its flowers can be yellow or purple, and the flowers grow on stems in the top of the stem. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause an irritant to both skin and eyes. Therefore Euphorbia should be handled with caution and keep it away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. enopla
Scientific Name: Euphorbia enopla Boiss.
Common Name: Pincushion Euphorbia

How to grow and care for Pincushion Euphorbia

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

It can be easily propagated by cuttings or seed. 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. The seed can be sown just under the surface in normal seedling trays in a sandy seed mix. Germination usually occurs within 1 – 3 weeks.

Pests and Diseases

Most of the Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.