Euphorbia ingens aka Cactus Spurge
Taxonomy
Euphorbia ingens, also known as the candelabra tree or naboom, is a fast-growing succulent tree native to dry areas of southern Africa. It can reach heights of up to 15m, but is often grown as a pot plant. The branching, leafless stems of this plant have four or five vertical ridges with small spines. Mature plants produce greenish-yellow flowers at the branch tips, followed by dark red to purple fruit. This plant thrives in full sun but can also survive in well-lit, part-shade areas, making it suitable for a Sydney garden. It can also be used as an indoor plant with good lighting and ventilation. Euphorbia ingens adds a vibrant touch to dry-themed gardens. However, caution must be exercised due to the plant's milky latex, which is highly poisonous and a dangerous irritant. Although rare to find, if you come across a Euphorbia Cowboy, make sure to grab it quickly!
Common names
Cactus Spurge, Cactus Euphorbia, Candelabra TreeHow to care for Cactus Spurge
Difficulty
Cactus Spurge demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
Water
Cactus Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Cactus Spurge healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Cactus Spurge requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cactus Euphorbia is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Cactus Spurge to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Cactus Spurge prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
Fertilizer
The Cactus Spurge is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Cactus Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Euphorbia Genus
Euphorbia bicolor Snow On The Prairie
Euphorbia triangularis Tree Euphorbia
Euphorbia oblongata Eggleaf Spurge
Euphorbia florida Chiricahua Mountain Sandmat
Euphorbia nicaeensis Spanish Tingara Buchchi
Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge
