Variegated Indian Corn Cob – Succulent plants

Variegated Indian Corn Cob (Euphorbia mammillaris f. variegata) is an ornamental, variegated form of Euphorbia mammillaris, easily recognized for its stem which is subtle cream to frosty greenish-white and splashed with emerald green. In cold temperatures, stems become blushed with delicate rose. The stem is thick, erect, simple and ribbed, up to 35 cm (14 inches) tall and up to 6 cm in diameter. Normally there are many club-like, lateral branches. The spines are the solitary sterile peduncles. They are occasionally present and scattered, thick, whitish and up to 1 cm long. The leaves are small, variegated and ephemeral. It produces yellow solitary cyathia at the tip of each stem in late winter to early summer. The flowers are red and orange.

Scientific Classification:

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

Scientific Name: Euphorbia mammillaris f. variegata
Synonyms: Euphorbia mammillaris ‘Variegata’
Common Names: Variegated Indian Corn Cob

How to grow and maintain Variegated Indian Corn Cob:

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 mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.