Euphorbia esculenta aka Vingerpol

Euphorbia esculenta is a succulent, a plant with fleshy parts. It is a small shrub in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It comes from South Africa's south-central Cape region. The climate there is subtropical. Gardeners grow it for its looks, including in succulent collections. It grows at a slow rate and can live for many years. Once settled, it can stay in one spot for years.

Its taproot makes a deep pot a good choice. The pot needs large drain holes so excess water can escape. Use a loose, gritty mix with little organic matter. Pumice, lava grit, and expanded slate all suit the mix. Add a small amount of peat or leaf mould. LLIFLE suggests a new pot every two years. It also suggests feeding the plant in summer. Use a succulent feed rich in potassium, with trace nutrients.

Full sun suits this plant, but moderate shade works too. Move plants grown in shade into stronger light in stages. A sudden move to full sun can cause severe scorch. Heat and sun help the plant keep its looks. LLIFLE lists USDA zones 8–11 for this plant. It reports that the plant survives at about −6°C. It also notes that the plant can stand light snow. The plant can cope with salt as well.

Water while the plant grows, but leave no water around its roots. Keep the roots almost dry through winter. The plant can cope with drought and poor, dry soil. Richer soil and regular water help it grow better. But water must still drain well from the soil. Poor control of moisture and air flow can lead to rot. Drugs that fight fungi do little good if these problems persist. Good drainage is key, though the plant can cope with drought.

Grow new plants from seeds or cuttings. Cuttings may grow sideways, with parts shaped like fingers. They may not keep the shape of the parent plant. Use seeds when you need to keep that form. Let cut offsets dry for several days, then plant them. Fresh wounds can rot before roots form. Damaged tissue gives off thick, white latex, which is poisonous. This sap can irritate skin. Keep it out of eyes and mouths. Take care when handling the plant, including when taking cuttings. Growing it for its looks does not remove this risk.