Sun: full sun
Water: Below average watering needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C) to Zone 10b from 35° F to 40° F (1.7° C to 4.4° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: leaves, seeds
Flower: In the Spring
Flower Type: Yellow, purple
Toxic: Toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors & Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, Fungal diseases, pests
Where to buy Euphorbia horrida?
Basc Care for Euphorbia horrida
Watering
Watering for Euphorbia horrida is a simple task. It requires Below average watering needs for a succulent.
One simple tip for you is that you can use some online apps to check the soil status before you go water your succulents. I would recommend the ThePlantsCheck app, it has some nice features there.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "African milk barrel"
Euphorbia horrida requires full sun for optimal growth and health. Place your succulent in a sunny spot in your garden or on a windowsill to ensure it's getting enough light. You'll know that the succulent is receiving enough sunlight if its leaves are bright green and firm.
Euphorbia horrida is not cold hardy and does not survive in freezing conditions. However, there are certain strategies that can be used to help the plant thrive despite the chill of winter. Proper drainage and insulation are essential for succulent X during periods of extreme cold. Placing a layer of mulch or gravel on the soil around the plant can also help keep it warm.
Any succulents in the group will need a medium space to grow. You can place your pot at your table or window. Since this plant needs more space than mini succulents, you should consider do not plant them together with other succulents/plants.
Propagation
Propagating succulents by leaves is a great way to grow new plants from existing ones. Simply cut off a few healthy leaves from the mother plant and place them on top of a potting mix. Water the soil regularly, keeping it moist but not soggy, and soon you'll have brand new succulents!
Growing Euphorbia horrida from seeds is an easy and economical way to produce more plants. Identify a healthy seed by its plumpness, dark color and slightly sticky texture. Once the potting mix has been pre-mixed with well-draining soil, sow the seeds evenly and press lightly into the surface. To ensure germination, keep the container in bright but indirect light and mist the soil gently with a spray bottle.
Toxicity
The leaves of Euphorbia horrida contain an array of toxins that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea and even death if ingested. It is essential to keep this plant away from both humans and animals.
Pests and Diseases
Euphorbia horrida can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as snails, mealybugs, scale insects, and Red spider mites.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Snails: clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Scale insects: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Red spider mites: Quarantine, clean your infected plants, treatment with a systemic insecticidal/soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.
