Euphorbia ritchiei aka Medusa's Head Cactus

Taxonomy

Common names

Medusa's Head Cactus, Madusa's Head, Medusas Head

How to care for Medusa's Head Cactus

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Medusa's Head Cactus due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Medusa's Head Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Medusa's Head Cactus is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Medusa's Head Cactus 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 Medusas Head.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Medusa's Head Cactus thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Medusa's Head Cactus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Medusa's Head Cactus’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia