For many people, window sills are a special place for their favorite plants. Beginning flower growers prefer unpretentious plants. They will be able to survive some of the careless mistakes that are common to beginners. One of these plants can safely be attributed to white-veined euphorbia. It can be found in almost every home. Despite its unpretentious nature, this plant also requires attention and proper care.
Description
White-veined euphorbia is often popularly called a banana, cactus or palm tree. This is not surprising, because the birthplace of this plant is Madagascar.
Such nicknames do not raise questions if you take a closer look at the plant. The base of the stem is dense, fleshy, most often thin. As it approaches the apex, it thickens. On the surface with the naked eye you can see pronounced scaly ribs, so the euphorbia is very similar to a cactus. At the top, there is occasionally a slight branching. Leaves are glossy, emerald green.
At the very top, they are going to the outlet. Over time, the lower leaves disappear. Moreover, in combination with an interesting stem, the “palm effect” arises. Some gardeners notice that yellow spots remain in these places. Sometimes a white-veined euphorbia is confused with comb milkweed. A distinctive feature is the oval-shaped veins.
This amazing plant is characterized by small white flowers. They are located right in the axils of the leaves. But in comb milkweed, such flowers are located on peduncles of short length. The flowering period in the milkweed euphorbia begins at the beginning of spring. This period may last until mid-August.
Remember that you need to work with such plants only with gloves. All ground parts of the plant secrete poisonous milky juice. If exposed to unprotected skin, it can cause a burn, irritating the mucous membrane. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant it in houses where there are small children. In extreme cases, the plant must be moved from the nursery.
Home white-veined euphorbia is not particularly decorative. Other exotic plants look more impressive. There are not many flowers. Immediately after flowering, the fruiting period begins. An oblong box appears. It cracks, seeds fall out of it under pressure. They scatter well, so they can fall into the next pot with another plant.
The plant reaches 1.5 m in height. But before buying, you need to know that the plant is characterized by weak roots. Therefore, euphorbia periodically must be transplanted into a deep pot.
Growing Features
Reproduction of white-veined milkweed at home most often occurs with the help of seeds. For seedlings, it is necessary to provide the plant with certain conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to:
- soil;
- lighting;
- air temperature
- air humidity.
The soil
The soil mixture is quite easy to prepare yourself. The unpretentious plant perfectly takes root on the soil intended for succulents. But experienced flower growers claim that this type of milkweed grows well on the soil mixture, which can be purchased at a flower shop.
For self-production of the soil mixture, it is enough to combine the purchased soil with sand in a 2: 1 ratio. You can also take in equal parts peat, river sand and sheet land. After add a few pinches of fine charcoal.
Particular attention should be paid to containers. Remember that euphorbia has a superficial root. Therefore, you should choose a wide flowerpot or pot. It is desirable that it be flat.
Please note that several holes are made in the bottom of the container. So the water will not stagnate, and the soil will breathe.
As soon as the plant grows up, it must be "relocated" into a large container, on the bottom of which pebbles are laid out in large strips. They act as a counterweight, which helps the root keep the greens on the top of the head.
Lighting
The plant is not demanding on the light regime. It is necessary to provide good lighting, while paying attention that direct sunlight does not fall on the leaves. They can leave burns on the leaves. The flower is also not recommended to be exposed in partial shade.
Pay attention to the power of the fluorescent lamp. With intensive work, such lighting can burn out only punctured processes. Ideal is natural lighting, which needs to be slightly adjusted depending on the period of the year.
In the summer, a container with a plant can be taken out to the garden, covered from the sun. In autumn and winter, you can turn on the lamp for several hours. Although the plant is in hibernation during this period, it will thank you with the lush growth and bright color of the leaves.
Experienced growers recommend turning the pot daily. So each section will receive the required amount of light.
Temperature
Indoor white-veined euphorbia is a thermophilic plant. The optimum temperature for the growth of this plant is considered to be from +22 ° C to +25 ° C. A higher temperature will cause the achenes to “suffocate” and the leaves to dry out. In winter, milk temperature is enough +18 ° C. This plant tolerates a short-term decrease in temperature to +15 ° C. Please note that lower temperatures can adversely affect the plant.
Air humidity
Photo milkweed white-eyed attracts all plant lovers. This unpretentious plant perfectly tolerates the proximity to heating appliances. Indeed, in the wild conditions of growth, the plant is also not spoiled by the presence of fresh air. The only danger of a close proximity of a plant to batteries is the probability of drying out the soil. In spring, you can ventilate the plant by taking a container with milk to the balcony. This manipulation has a positive effect on growth, accelerating sap flow on the stem.
Care
Many houses have white-veined euphorbia. Caring for this plant is very simple. Indeed, euphorbia is an unpretentious, persistent plant. Therefore, in almost every family, this plant will quickly take root.
An interesting fact is that scientists still do not know the exact composition of milkweed juice. It contains many acids and trace elements.
Watering
In the summer, the plant must be moistened by spraying from a spray bottle. This procedure is carried out 2-3 times a week. To do this, prepare clean, soft water at room temperature.
Water the plant often, but in moderation. Like all succulents, the euphorbia cannot be over-moistened. It is enough to fill the plant several times, and a weak root will quickly decay.
But it is necessary to ensure that the soil in the pot does not turn into stone. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the soil and containers.
In the dormant period (autumn and winter), the plant is rarely watered. In the cold season, it is enough to water the euphorbia once a month.
Top dressing
Experienced gardeners recommend regularly fertilizing the plant. To do this, use a purchased mixture intended for cacti. Adult plants begin to feed in March. During this period, the concentration of nutrients should be slightly less than the main ones. But they are brought in more often - 2-3 times a month.
Since April, top dressing is carried out regularly 1 time per month. They continue to fertilize the plant on the same principle until the month of September.
In winter, it is enough to treat the plant with a solution of weak consistency 1 time.
Pruning
Responsible flower growers know that the flower grows fast enough. After 2-3 years, the growth rate is cause for concern, because the root may not be able to withstand such an enormous load.
In this case, it is enough to trim the top of the plant with a sharp knife. Using scissors is not recommended, because they simply can not cope.
Experts recommend making a single cut with further disinfection. For this, powder coal is used.
Cropped tops can be further used by rooting them in a new container. But before that, they must be kept for 24 hours in warm water. At this point, all the juice will come off.
Pruning should be done annually. Surely after the euphorbia falls into hibernation, the shoots must be shortened by 15 cm.
Conclusion
The unpretentious white-veined euphorbia is well known for many experienced gardeners. Home care for it is quite simple, it is necessary to check the soil for moisture in a timely manner and ensure normal lighting and top dressing.