How to Care for Crested Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a botanical genus containing 2,008 different plant species found in temperate, tropical and subtropical climates around the world. Many Euphorbia species, such as Euphorbia lactea "Cristata" (also known as crested Euphorbia), are cactus-like succulents that make excellent houseplants and landscape plants. Prized for their dark green, fan-shaped branch clusters and attractive silver-gray markings, crested Euphorbia can be cultivated successfully indoors or in warm climates, such as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Plant or position crested Euphorbia plants in areas that are exposed to six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Note that Euphorbia requires full sun for healthy growth and development.
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2
Water crested Euphorbia thoroughly approximately every two weeks. Provide ground-grown Euphorbia with 1 inch of supplemental irrigation each time you water. Irrigate container-grown Euphorbia until the excess water drains from the bottom of the planting container. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry before the next irrigation.
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3
Fertilize crested Euphorbia plants monthly during the spring and summer months, while the succulent is actively growing. Feed your Euphorbia with a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer or use a fertilizer product that has been specially formulated for succulent plants for more targeted fertilization. Follow the application instructions found on the fertilizer product.
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4
Withhold water and fertilizer from your crested Euphorbia during the fall and winter months to allow it to enter dormancy; allowing the Euphorbia a rest period is essential to its long-term health. Water the Euphorbia thoroughly, using the process described in Step 2, just once in the middle of winter.
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Tips & Warnings
Propagate crested Euphorbia by taking cuttings from the succulent in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and set aside for three to four weeks to partially dry. Pot the cutting in well-draining planting containers using a growing medium made up of equal parts loam and sand. Water lightly and wait until the cuttings take root before watering again.
Euphorbia plants bleed a poisonous white sap, known as latex, when damaged. Wear gardening gloves when handling your crested Euphorbia to avoid injury. If your skin comes into contact with the sap, cleanse the area thoroughly with soap and water; contact your doctor if you experience irritation.
