succulent with brown stem Euphorbia stenoclada – Planet Desert

succulent with brown stem Euphorbia stenoclada – Planet DesertOrigin and habitat: Endemic to Madagascar, Ambatofinandrahana. Flowers: Cyathia 3 mm purplish in diameter sessile in densely clustered cymes at branches tips, violet crimson. Cultivation and propagation: It is an easy species to grow that is suited for any well drained soil in full sun. But young plant are happy growing indoors, where they can easily reach the ceiling. Give the plant an airy growing medium which mainly consists of nonorganic material

Origin and habitat: Endemic to Madagascar, Ambatofinandrahana.

Flowers: Cyathia 3 mm purplish in diameter sessile in densely clustered cymes at branches tips, violet-crimson.

Cultivation and propagation: It is an easy species to grow that is suited for any well drained soil in full sun. But young plant are happy growing indoors, where they can easily reach the ceiling. Give the plant an airy growing medium which mainly consists of nonorganic material such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. Water regularly during the active growing season from March to September. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. It is a moderately fast grower, and will quickly become large landscape masterpieces in just 3-5 years. If plant becomes very red, this is a sign that the roots have not developed properly. It is a relatively fast growing and long lived plant and once established, it will be content in its position and with its soil for years. It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun. Like quite small pots, repot in very later winter, early spring. Can be pruned for shape and branching. Frost tender, frost free zones only.

Warning: All parts of Euphorbia ooze a milky sap when damaged or cut. Contact with this sap may cause dermatitis in some people, and in the eyes the sap can cause temporary blindness which may last for several days.

Propagation: It is easy to propagate by cuttings in late spring to summer, just take a cutting of the plant let it dry for 1 week and stuff it in the ground (preferably dry, loose, extremely well draining soil).