The Euphorbia genus of the Euphorbia family includes approximately 2 thousand species of annual and perennial herbs, succulents resembling cacti, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees.
Author of the article
Maxim Sverchkov
Professional biologist and breeder with extensive experience and experience.
The appearance of these plants is diverse; a common feature of all is the poisonous juice that is released when damaged. Some species are used in herbal medicine, others are bred as ornamental.
Description of euphorbia
The height of milkweed is from 2 cm to 2 meters. The stems are straight, thin or fleshy, in the form of columns and triangles, with wide or thin leaves, often with spines.
Natural environment tropics of Asia, Africa, Madagascar. The juice of all types is hot, has a pungent aroma, is poisonous, contains sugar, rubber, essential oil, resin, euphorin, which burns mucous membranes and skin.
Most species of milkweed have inconspicuous flowers (there is no perianth, stamens and single pistils). The fruits of the capsule “shoot” euphorbia seeds, which quickly germinate.
Succulents are used in their homeland when planting hedges around residential buildings. Many varieties of milkweed are weeds, in Russia it is Euphorbia sungazer.
general characteristics
This genus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and has about two thousand species. Scientific (Latin) name: Euphorbia.
The botanical characteristics of the species are very diverse. These can be shrubs, trees or grasses; perennial and annual; large-leaved and small-leaved (sometimes like pine needles); with or without thorns.
All parts of euphorbia contain milk - a poisonous milky sap that can cause burns on the skin and mucous membranes.
The root system is vertical or “creeping” and can accumulate moisture like cacti.
The stems are erect or creeping, branched, ribbed, thin or voluminous. The flowers are usually inconspicuous, but are often equipped with bright stipules.
Types of euphorbia for indoor floriculture
- white-veined;
- comb;
- Millie (brilliant);
- triangular;
- poinsettia (the most beautiful);
- large-horned;
- thirukalli;
- swollen;
- bordered.
Euphorbia comb
Comb milkweed is very similar to white-veined milkweed, so these species are often confused. The bright green stem is straight or twisted in a spiral, the shoots have 5 sides, longitudinally located thorns can reach a length of 3 cm.
The oval glossy leaves have an oblong shape, the reverse side is lighter, reflecting light. Inflorescences on short greenish-red peduncles, bracts white, less often pink, flowers greenish-yellow
Euphorbia Mile
Euphorbia Mila (brilliant) is a highly branched shrub, the branches grow up to a meter, they are widely spread and curved. This plant is often called blackthorn. The stem is round, the thorns are strong.
In the axils of the growing segments of the shoots there are inflorescences-umbrellas, containing 2-4 inconspicuous flowers, surrounded by bright bracts. On a southern windowsill, this species blooms almost without interruption, as it prefers to grow directly in the sun, sometimes shedding its leaves in winter.
In another article we described a plant called Agave.
Euphorbia domestica
Euphorbia domestic poinsettia (the most beautiful) has large ovoid leaves (up to 15 cm), reddish cuttings. Umbrella inflorescences are located at the tops.
The flowers are small, inconspicuous; bright bracts provide decoration (usually red, cream or orange in hybrid varieties). The flowering period (December, January) determines another name for the species: Christmas star.
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli (rubber) is a branched bush with a thin, very dark stem, small leaves located at the top. You can grow a tree indoors that does not bloom. Propagated by cuttings, the juice is especially poisonous.
Euphorbia bighorn
Euphorbia is a large-horned succulent whose appearance is almost no different from a cactus. The fleshy triangular stem has 3 curved, unequal ribs, large leaves, and spines on the plates.
The inflorescences are corymbose, the yellow flowers are inconspicuous, the fruits are coral. Cuttings are used for propagation. In summer it is watered moderately, in winter almost no moisture is required.
Swollen Euphorbia
Many people perceive swollen milkweed as a cactus with eight or ten ribs. The inflorescence is formed at the tops of the shoots, the fruits develop in the presence of 2 plants of different sexes.
Polyhedral spurge
The multifaceted spurge bush is a succulent, the stem is round, fleshy, ribbed. On the ribs there are purple, almost black, spines and warty growths of brown color. Branches from the base. The inflorescences are corymbose, the bracts are red, the yellow flowers are small.
Bordered Euphorbia
Edged spurge is a herb, height from 40 to 80 cm, popular names: “Bride”, “Summer Snow”. The bush is branched, the foliage is round or pointed, with a white border. Small flowers at the tops of the shoots.
Types and varieties of milkweed with photos and names
Among the many types of milkweed, the most commonly grown as domestic ones are:
White-veined spurge (Euphorbia leuconeura)
Madagascar species. Euphorbia leuconeura is a herbaceous perennial. In nature, its height reaches 1.5 m, but at home it is limited by the volume of the container. Mature plants begin to branch slightly. Their stem in the lower part has the shape of a cylinder and over time begins to become woody. The upper part of the stem is five-ribed. Traces of fallen leaf blades remain on it, appearing in the form of dry brownish streaks. The stem itself is painted a rich green color. A stripe of short brownish pubescence runs along the top of the ribs. The petiole foliage is located at the top of the stem, arranged in a spiral. As it grows, the lower leaves fall off, forming new markings, and the stem continues to grow upward. The petioles have a red-green tint. The length of each leaf reaches 20 cm with a width of up to 8 cm. On the underside the leaf is painted soft green, and on the outside it is dark green, with lighter veins. As the bush develops, the veins acquire the usual green color. During the flowering period, the species forms small light inflorescences.
The growth rate is quite high. In addition, it is capable of producing abundant self-sowing, scattering ripened seeds around itself. Sometimes they end up not only in the pot with the mother plant, but also in neighboring containers.
Ribbed or combed spurge (Euphorbia lophogona)
Mexican shrub-succulent. Euphorbia lophogona closely resembles white-veined spurge, but the veins on the foliage of this species are not light in color. The growths on his ribs look like spikes. During the flowering period, the bush forms inflorescences with light pinkish bracts. While in the white-veined species the flowers are located in the axils, in this type of milkweed they develop on small peduncles. This species is also capable of reproducing by self-sowing.
Milkweed (Euphorbia milii)
Or beautiful, shiny spurge (Euphorbia splendens). Endemic Madagascar species. Euphorbia milii (splendens) is a branched shrub, the height of which can reach 2 m. Its gray stem has noticeable tubercles and many thorns up to 3 cm long. Leaf blades on short petioles reach 15 cm in length and a width of about 3.5 cm. Over a period of time, the lower leaves die off, so only the top of the plant remains leafy. The recurved bracts can have a variety of colors, including shades of scarlet, pink, white, yellow and orange. At home, the plant rarely produces seeds, so the bush is propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbia triangular or triangular (Euphorbia trigona)
Found in dry southern African regions. Euphorbia trigona is a succulent shrub up to 2 m tall. Its stems are located only vertically. They have a color that combines various shades of green and a triangular shape. On the upper part of the ribs there are reddish claw-shaped spines, and spade-shaped leaves up to 5 cm long grow from their axils. The variety with green shoots and reddish leaves is especially common. In indoor culture, this species does not bloom at all and reproduces exclusively by vegetative means.
Beautiful spurge or poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
One of the most spectacular species of milkweed grows in the Mexican tropics and is also found in areas of Central America. Euphorbia pulcherrima, also called the “Christmas star,” has become one of the world symbols of this holiday. This is due to the original color of the plant during the flowering period, which occurs in the winter months, as well as the beautiful star-shaped shape of its bracts.
In nature it is a large (up to 4 m) shrub with a large number of thin angular shoots. When grown in pots, the size of poinsettia is more modest - no more than half a meter. Its foliage with short petioles is oval in shape with a point at the top or large teeth along the edges. There are noticeable veins on the surface of the leathery leaf blades. The length of each leaf reaches 16 cm, the width is about 7 cm. During the flowering period, the plant becomes especially elegant. Small inflorescences are formed on it, surrounded by large bright bracts, significantly reminiscent of ordinary leaves. In the species plant they are colored red, but there are also varieties with bracts of other colors - yellow, pink, orange, light green, etc.
Euphorbia caput-medusae
South African species. Euphorbia caput-medusae is a branching perennial that forms large horizontal shoots that radiate in different directions. Its lodging stems are covered with conical tubercles, giving the plant some resemblance to a snake's ball. The foliage is tiny in size and persists only in the upper part of the shoots. Small light flowers with a pleasant aroma also form there. Over time, the plant develops a central thickening of the stem - a caudex, the surface of which is covered with scars. Due to the unusual appearance of the bush, it is sometimes used as a hanging bush.
Euphorbia obesa (Euphorbia obesa)
A species native to the African Cape Province. Euphorbia obesa is among the spurges that are particularly cactus-like. It has a non-branching octagonal stem. A young plant resembles a gray-green ball, but with age it stretches upward. The height of the bush is about 30 cm, and its diameter reaches only 10 cm. At the tops of the ribs there are tubercles with scars from old fallen inflorescences. The inflorescences themselves resemble small cones or buds, and also have noticeable pistils. Only specimens at least 5 years old begin to bloom. After artificial pollination, seeds may set. To prevent them from being thrown into different directions of the room, you should cover the plant with a net.
The species is particularly unpretentious and can grow in the same soil for years. Partial shade is preferred for growing. If it is necessary to change the lighting mode, this should be done gradually.
Euphorbia enopla
Another African species. Euphorbia enopla resembles the usual cacti, covered with long spines. It can branch, its height ranges from 30 cm to 1 m. The shoots are cylindrical and colored bright green. They have 6-8 protruding ribs. At their tops there are hard reddish cone-like spines up to 6 cm long. Flowers form at the top of the shoots. The growing peduncles at first resemble thorns, but then medium-sized burgundy flowers bloom on them. To prevent such spurge from stretching, you should keep it in a sunny corner, otherwise the bush will need support. The species is considered resistant to light frosts.
Cacti and Succulents Indoor Plants
Growing Euphorbia
Euphorbia alba is the most popular for growing at home. The trunk, thickened towards the top, consists of 4, 5 ribs, along the edges of which stipules are located.
The cuttings are reddish, the color of the foliage is emerald, the white veins are pronounced. Each fallen leaf leaves a mark on the trunk.
New leaves grow only at the top; an adult plant resembles a strange palm tree (see this euphorbia in the photo). It happens that in the fall the leaves fall, and in the spring new ones grow.
The flowers are inconspicuous (sessile inflorescences, without bright bracts, almost transparent petals). This species grows quickly even without care and reproduces independently.
The seeds germinate in potted plants located nearby. To plant new plants, you can also use the lateral shoots growing on the stem. If it is necessary to grow a lot of new white-veined euphorbia, the seeds are collected, lightly pressed into the soil, and covered with film.
Watering euphorbia
For irrigation, water at room temperature is used. Fertilizers produced for succulents are applied monthly. In winter, the plant is watered after the soil is completely dry; the temperature cannot be too low. The air of a city apartment is not a hindrance even in the absence of spraying.
The soil
The soil mixture is made from leaf humus, peat, sifted and washed sand in equal parts. The container is not deep, wide (the roots of this species are weak). If a large plant is being transplanted, pebbles are placed under the soil to ensure stability.
Temperature
Temperature in cold weather up to +15°C. In summer it is watered abundantly; regular spraying is advisable. For monthly feeding, cactus formulations are used.
Transfer
An annual transplant of Euphorbia Mil is not required. The soil consists of turf, preferably clay, humus, sifted sand, and leaf humus. For propagation, the bush is divided or cuttings are germinated. On new plants, the tips of the stems are pinched.
The triangular euphorbia flower is almost no different in appearance from a branched cactus. The triangular stem has straight spines, the foliage is oval and bright. In fertile soil this species grows very quickly. It is imperative to pinch the top of the head to limit height growth. The pot can be placed not only in the light, but also in partial shade.
During growth, abundant watering and monthly fertilizing are required. If this plant is not watered for several days, it will not die, it will only shed its foliage, which quickly grows back after watering. In winter, humidity is limited.
Also take a look at the article about Episcia.
Euphorbia care
Growing in open ground does not require much trouble; the plant will be content with infrequent watering, even more infrequent feeding and timely weeding.
- Faded shoots must be removed as soon as possible to avoid self-seeding and loss of decorativeness of the flowerbed.
- It is necessary to water spurge not only moderately, but even sparingly, occasionally wetting the top layer of soil. With regular precipitation, this measure is not required.
- For feeding, universal mineral complexes for flowering plants are used.
- It is necessary to ensure that fertilizers applied during flowering contain a minimal amount of the nitrogen component or do not contain it at all.
Reproduction of euphorbia
Propagated by cuttings, new plants are planted in wide, not deep pots with standard soil mixture. Stability is provided by pebbles placed under the soil.
The pot with poinsettia should be placed on a well-lit windowsill, but in summer it is advisable to avoid the rays of the sun, in winter cold drafts, and close proximity to heating devices. Optimum temperature +16-20°C, minimum +12°C.
Watering is moderate all year round. After the flowers fall, rest is required with almost no watering for one and a half or even two months.
After the leaves fall, pruning is carried out, as a result of which the length of the shoots is no more than 15 cm. No more than 5 shoots are left, this amount is enough to form a lush crown. If necessary, the tops of cut shoots are used for propagation.
The plant is moved to a cool place until May, then it is watered abundantly and transplanted into a larger pot, at the same time fertilizers with potassium are applied.
In order for poinsettias to bloom on time, preparation is required. Starting in September, the daylight hours are artificially shortened (the milkweed is covered for several hours). Otherwise, the buds will begin to bloom in late winter.
Cuttings cut for propagation have at least 5 internodes. Immediately after cutting, the lower leaves are removed and the shoots are placed in warm water (the juice should not block the vessels). Germination requires moist peat mixed with sand.
In the presence of a filmy covering and a temperature of +24°C, the roots grow quickly. New plants are planted and the tops are pinched after they begin to grow.
From Euphorbia poinsettia you can grow a relatively large bush or tree at home, if you do not prune it at the end of flowering, transplant it into a larger container and gradually form a crown.
Reproduction of euphorbia is only by seed. This species loves light and does not suffer from drought, so watering is moderate even in summer.
Signs and superstitions
Euphorbia is distinguished by active and even aggressive energy. Like an ordinary cactus, it should not be kept in the spouses’ bedroom to avoid quarrels.
But the plant has almost magical protective properties. It can be placed in the hallway, in the kitchen, in the office, near the computer.
The time when euphorbia begins to bloom is favorable for communication and new financial projects. It is believed that spurge planted along the fence will forever keep bad people away from the house.
Features of euphorbia content
Most species love the sun; shade is required in hot weather. You shouldn’t be overzealous with watering; less is better than too much.
The exception is species with foliage, which require abundant watering in summer. Fertilizers are selected. Taking into account the characteristics of the species. The temperature during winter dormancy is not lower than +16°C.
For milkweeds, containers with a drainage layer and a hole in the bottom are selected. The soil mixture is the same for all types. Young plants must be replanted annually.
The main method of propagation is cuttings, for spherical species - seeds. Cuttings are harvested during spring pruning or summer. Be sure to immerse in water to get rid of excess juice. For rooting, a sand-peat mixture is used.
An important part of caring for euphorbia is the fight against fungus and insects. The main disease is fungal and manifests itself as rotting of the trunk and roots.
If the root system is damaged, the spurge is removed from the container, the roots are cut off, and the euphorbia is transplanted into another container with a new soil mixture. When the trunk rots, only the tip takes root.
If there is a whitish coating on the foliage (powdery mildew), the plant is treated with a fungicide. It is advisable to reduce watering and move the spurge to a more illuminated place.
A thin thread on the foliage indicates the appearance of a spider mite. The plant is sprayed with a soap solution; in case of severe damage, a systemic insecticide is required.
Euphorbias do not get sick if the rules of planting and care are followed:
- the substrate is too loose or too heavy;
- there is no good lighting, moderate watering, winter coolness;
- the root collar is covered with earth.
If spurge is constantly in contact with damp soil, the root collar becomes like a plug. It should be covered not with soil, but with gravel. Most species are succulents, so they store water. In summer, the soil can be completely dry for up to 3 days, in winter for more than a week.
During dormancy, additional lighting and watering are not required. When the room temperature is above +15°C, spurge grows. If there is not enough light, the stems become bent.
Pests and diseases
Euphorbias are highly resistant to pests and diseases and most often get sick due to systematic violation of the rules of care.
- The foliage turns yellow en masse in the summer due to drafts or frequent stagnation of water in the soil. Yellowing can also be caused by a lack of nutrients during the growing period. Individual yellowing leaves in the lower part of the plant at this time are a natural process of bush development.
- If the leaves turn yellow in the fall, some types of milkweed may be preparing for winter. The massive fall of leaves in the autumn should be compensated by the appearance of spring growth.
- Small brown spots on the stem may indicate the development of rot. It is usually caused by too cool conditions combined with frequent overwatering.
- Large brown spots on leaves or stems are a consequence of sunburn.
Benefits and harms
Euphorbia has beneficial properties and is often used in medicine (especially Chinese and Mongolian). There are also traditional methods of treatment, but you should not resort to them (drink all sorts of decoctions, take vodka tinctures.
Incorrect dosage or an unexpected reaction of the body can cause allergies and even poisoning.
Indoor spurge is dangerous for small children and pets (cats, dogs, hamsters, etc.). However, animals intuitively avoid such plants.
It is believed that milkweed can be fed to pigs, turkeys and chickens without contraindications. It is even given to small piglets, broilers, turkey poults, and goslings. But euphorbium should not be given to cows and rabbits - it can ruin their health.
Precautionary measures
Many people know that milkweed juice can cause poisoning, so it is unlikely that an adult will chew branches or drink milkweed. However, it is not surprising to get injured when caring for a plant (when transplanting, cutting, shaping, pinching, propagating).
It is enough to accidentally bend and break the stem so that the liquid gets on your hands or splashes in your face. Therefore, it is recommended to use gloves and safety glasses when replanting, pruning and propagating euphorbia.
If suddenly milkweed juice gets into your eyes, you need to wash them thoroughly with clean water, and then consult a doctor for a remedy against the burn.
