Exotic in the interior - grow comb euphorbia
Euphorbia crest is an evergreen shrub. Belongs to the genus of plants Euphorbiaceae, in which there are about 2000 species. The plant came to us from the island of Madagascar, and it can also be found in Transbaikalia.
Different varieties of plants differ in size, shape of leaves and color of flowers. Euphorbia comb is the highest of its kind.
In this article we will tell you how to properly care for this plant at home, provide visual photos of it and introduce you to the main diseases that it is susceptible to.
Description of the ribbed type of flower
The stem is straight, dark green in color, reaching a height of approximately 120 cm. As a rule, the stem from top to bottom has a different diameter. The top is dotted with oval and elongated leaves with white or pinkish flowers. The flowers are on the peduncle, whose length is approximately 4-5 cm.
Euphorbia comb is also called ribbed due to the characteristic spikes on the trunk. A feature of milkweed is its juice - poisonous in natureIt is also used in perfumes.
Attention! Plant juice can cause chemical burns, inflammation of the membranes of the eyes and respiratory system. It is recommended to keep the euphorbia away from animals and small children, and when working with it, use gloves.Photo
Photo of milkweed comb:
Home Care
To provide ribbed milk for optimal home care, care should be taken to ensure that the plant receives enough light, heat and moisturesince it comes from a warm climate:
- The temperature for normal flower growth should correspond to 18-24 degrees Celsius.
- Watering should be moderate and water should not stagnate in the pot; for this, drainage should be made in the container under the flower. The plant is watered about 2 times a week, and in winter it is reduced to one. Water for irrigation should be at room temperature.
- The pot with the plant must be kept on the sunny side, since it needs sunlight, you should avoid direct sunlight.
- For pruning a flower, it is better to choose the beginning of summer, shoots which grow on the side of the stem can be separated manually, or with a sharp knife.
- During the appearance of new leaves, the plant needs to be fed. As fertilizer, mixtures for cacti can be used. In spring and summer, bait should be carried out three times a month, and in winter, reduced to once a month, and preferably in a lower concentration.
- Euphorbia because of its root system does not like crowding, therefore the pot should be as large as possible.
It is recommended to use a clay pot, since clay in its structure is able to carry out oxygen exchange of rhizomes with the environment.
Breeding
Milkweed, like most plants, is cultivated in three ways.:
- Sowing seeds.
- Cuttings.
- Division.
The advantage is given to propagation by sowing., since it consists in a high probability of engraftment and germination of seed sprouts, but takes longer than with grafting and dividing.
Reference! Propagation by seeds is a simpler way than propagating by cuttings and dividing; the plant propagates well by self-sowing. Seeds are not whimsical and have a high degree of germination.For sowing, you must follow the rules:
- To prepare the soil, consisting of peat soil and sand, also the finished soil can be purchased at the store.
- Transplant seedlings into the finished soil, while covering them with transparent material, such as polyethylene, you can also use a glass jar.
- During ripening, the seeds are moistened by spraying with water.
- Fertilizing sowing before germination and transplanting them into separate pots is not recommended.
- Ten days after germination of the sprouts, do not rush to plant them separately, you should give them time to grow stronger, and only then dive into individual pots.
Rules for the Cherenkov method or division:
- Time for breeding in this way should be given at the beginning of summer.
- Shoots that grow on the stem are cut. For a neat cut, pruning should be done with a sharp knife.
- Cut off processes need to be put in warm water, for outflow of milky juice.
- Water for sedimentation should be diluted with activated carbon.
- After a while, the shoots will lose their shape a little and become attached. Then they can be seated in a special soil, and kept in a temperature suitable for milkweed.
Major diseases
- From excess moisture, rot may appear on the roots.
- Leaves can be affected by aphids or ticks, affected areas should be treated with a special solution from pests.
- As for the roots, they can be affected by a root parasite, such as a mealybug. In such cases, the soil should be replaced and the roots washed.
Ribbed Euphorbia has an exotic appearance and is perfect for any interior in an apartment or house. The flower is not whimsical, and will not take away much of your care. Following simple rules will allow you to enjoy the flower for many years.