Euphorbia obesa aka Baseball Plant

Taxonomy

Euphorbia obesa, also known as the baseball plant, is a subtropical succulent species of flowering plant in the genus Euphorbia. Native to South Africa, particularly the Cape Province, this endangered plant is often cultivated in botanical gardens due to its slow growth and the over-collection and poaching it faces in the wild. Resembling a ball, this cactus-like succulent has a squat globose or pear-shaped stem with a grey-green color and five ribs. It features a pattern of dull reddish bands and is adorned with small deep gibbosity regularly planted on the edges. The plant's diameter ranges from 6 cm to 15 cm depending on its age, with young plants being spherical and older ones becoming cylindrical. Euphorbia obesa contains water reservoirs that help it survive periods of drought. In the wild, exposure to direct sunlight causes it to develop red and purple areas. The plant's small yellow flowers, referred to as cyathia, are insignificant in appearance and are found in terminal clusters during the summer. Being dioecious, each individual plant has either male or female flowers. Like all Euphorbia species, Euphorbia obesa produces a toxic latex. Interestingly, despite originating from different continents, Euphorbia obesa and the Mexican cactus Astrophytum asterias exhibit a form of convergence in their similar adaptations to their respective environments.

Common names

Baseball Plant, Klipnoors, Gingham Golfball

How to care for Baseball Plant

Difficulty

Baseball Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Baseball Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Baseball Plant, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Baseball Plant thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Gingham Golfball.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Baseball Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Baseball Plant 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 growth rate of Baseball Plant is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Baseball Plant’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia