EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI

ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS

This species from the Euphorbiaceae family is also known by the common name of “Disciplinilla de Cuba”. They are native to Tropical Africa and India.

Euphorbia Tirucalli is a shrub-like succulent that can reach 5 meters in height over time, it is a fast growing plant. It is characterized by having many branches. These branches are green and without leaves, their shape is cylindrical and they are made up of segments. This plant has the unisexual flowers on separate stems and trunks. In addition, its branches are born at the same level around the axis. During their flowering, they produce small yellow inflorescences.

DECORATION OF ... EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR?

These cacti are primarily considered for planting in gardens as they grow fairly quickly. They can be used as decorative centers in our garden and in an ornamental garden with various similar essences to enhance their beauty.

Although when they are small we can have them inside our house, in a clear place and with a good pot that drains the water well.

CARE FOR CACTUS AND SUCCULENTS

They are showy plants, very pretty and that practically do not need much maintenance.

- They prefer places with direct light or that have good lighting, preferably next to a window, on a balcony, a terrace or in your Garden.

- They can withstand low temperatures, around 7ºC.

- It is essential that they have good drainage, both in the soil and in a pot.

- The ideal substrate for cacti has to be combined with sand and gravel, so that they have good drainage, humidity and excess water are not good.

- Irrigation does not have to be excessive. From spring to autumn, which would be its growth period, water every 15 days, abundant watering and wait until the soil is very dry again. In winter do not water or give one watering per month.

- Fertilizer. During the growing season (spring - autumn) you can fertilize them with worm humus. Eggshells are a good homemade fertilizer, they contain (Calcium, Iron, Potassium, magnesium and Phosphorus) these nutrients are very important and favor their growth, you must crush and mix them with the substrate, administer them a couple of times a year.

- Treatment against fungi due to excess humidity, disinfect the area with a copper-based fungicide.

- If you want to transplant them from the pot or the ground, the best time would be from spring.

And don't forget that to work with cacti you have to wear good gloves.