Euphorbia is a genus of plants from the family of euphorbiaceae. In appearance, they can be grass, shrubs or stunted trees. The type of stem and leaves is so different, and an ignorant person at the sight of some varieties will never guess that the plant belongs to the family of euphorbiaceae. However, all representatives of this genus have a distinctive feature - white milky juice. About 120 species are used as decorative ones, including Milk Euphorbia. This variety is endemic to the island of Madagascar, but it is successfully grown in other countries on window sills, in greenhouses or greenhouses. Some gardeners call it the Crown of Thorns. There is a belief that it was Euphorbia Mil that was used for Jesus Christ as a crown.
Plant characteristics
Euphorbia Mile (euphorbia milii) is a bush with branched stems, which can reach a height of 1.8 meters. In appearance, it can be mistaken for a cactus. The stems are slightly ribbed, have a grayish tint. Leaves appear with thorns in the leaflets only on young shoots. Over time, dried leaves fall off. The thorns on the stems harden and remain with the plant throughout their life.
Euphorbia milii flowers are inconspicuous, but are surrounded by bright leaves. Inflorescences are composed of several flowers in an amount of two to four. They are located on a special leg that protrudes above the leaves and thorns.
Growing conditions
Euphorbia Mile, like other plants of the genus, does not like direct sunlight. Lighting should be bright, but diffuse. Although it is believed that this particular species is not afraid of the sun's rays.
For good growth, it is necessary to try to observe the temperature regime. The optimum air temperature is 25-26 ° C. In the summer, you can safely take to the street, if there is such an opportunity. Euphorbia does not require regular heavy watering, and is not afraid of dry air. The soil needs sod-clay with the addition of leaf and sand.
Milkweed Care
Watering is carried out approximately the same as for cacti - 1-2 times a week. If the plant receives too much water or is in a humid environment, it may die. In winter, watering should be minimal.
When grown at home or in greenhouse conditions, Milk's euphorbia needs to be fed. It can be produced only from spring to autumn no more than once a month. This will require fertilizers for cacti, they are produced by many companies. The main thing is that they contain cytokinins, auxins, vitamins B, C, humic acids, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen.
Euphorbia Mile: Reproduction
A plant propagates in several ways: seeds and cuttings. At home, the first method is almost impossible. But you can still try. Matured seeds must be put in a container with a nutritious land mixture and slightly pressed. Cover the pot with glass or film. It is necessary to check for moisture in the ground and add if necessary using a spray gun. Sprouted seeds, or rather sprouts, are carefully transplanted into pots.
It is much easier to grow euphorbia from a shank. In the second half of summer, lateral processes are cut off from the main stems. It is necessary to lower the place of the cut into warm water so that the milky juice stacks. It also needs to be treated with charcoal and leave the stalk to dry. Three days later, a dried-up shoot is planted in a pot with a sand-peat land mixture.
Plant transplant
Both young and adult plants that are grown at home require transplantation after a certain period of time. This makes it possible to replace depleted soil and allow the flower to develop a more powerful root system. This, in turn, will contribute to the growth of new shoots. Euphorbia Mila at a young age is transplanted annually into a container that is slightly larger than the previous one. Adult plants are transplanted every three years. This operation is performed in the spring. Milkweed pots should be shallow, but wide.
Pests and diseases
No matter how unpretentious the plant may be, various diseases or pests can be planted on it. For those who don’t know what the sick Euphorbia Mil looks like, photos in books on gardening and floriculture will help. Of the parasites, the aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and insects are most often found. It is necessary to remove insects mechanically, that is, manually and with the help of improvised means. Treat the plant with preparations containing parmetrine. Also suitable are Decis, Fitoverm, Derris. Affected leaves must be removed.
If the plant has stopped growing, the leaves turn yellow and fall, most likely, if all the conditions of care are met, a mealybug root has wound up. If the fungus is already there, it is clearly visible on the roots. Flourish whitish clusters are difficult to confuse with anything else. The pot must be disinfected, the land must be replaced. Rinse the diseased plant, or rather its roots, with a solution of insecticide. If there is no way to replace the earth, then you can boil the old one. Only after that it will be necessary to add mineral fertilizers to it.
The most difficult to get rid of a spider mite. An integrated approach is required: from treating milkweed with water and laundry soap and increasing humidity around the plant to applying various acaricides. Which of them to use depends on the room temperature. Processing should be carried out every 10 days. Sometimes it’s easier to grow a new Milk Euphorbia than to cure an old tick.