Euphorbia Horrida (African Milk Barrel)

Euphorbia Horrida, also known as the African Milk Barrel plant, is a succulent species from the Euphorbiaceae plant family which originates from areas within the South Africa region. This succulent has one of the unique appearances of these Euphorbiaceae succulents as it has closely similar features to a common cactus, with oddly-shaped, chunky stems. In addition to its unique shape, the Euphorbia Horrida can often be seen sprouting beautiful yellow-green small flowers at the very ends of the plant’s stems. However, these flowers don’t always happen on all Euphorbia Horrida plants and will only occur during the summer months if the plant is healthy.

This succulent is relatively easy to care for and raise, as it’s mostly a low-maintenance, independent species. When properly cared for and kept healthy, Euphorbia Horrida’s width is around 6 inches and only 5 feet tall. Speaking of keeping your Euphorbia Horrida healthy and flourishing, you may be wondering what an independent and dry species of succulents could need – what should you consider when caring for your succulent? Read on to find out, as this article will introduce you to the best ways to help your Euphorbia Horrid last for up to years!

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Euphorbia Horrida Care

Knowing how to care for any plant species properly is an essential part of any plant owner’s daily (or even weekly) routine. However, some plants, like the Euphorbia Horrida succulent, do not require daily attention. Therefore it’s essential to understand what they need and how often. The following guidelines can help new Euphorbia Horrida owners through the process of knowing which specifications should be included in their newfound care routine.

Tip #1: Finding the correct container and gardening soil

Euphorbia horrida succulents are often more prone to root rot, which comes from overwatering and underwatering – prevent this by using the correct soil and container! Succulents are best paired with gardening pots with suitable draining holes in the bottom. In addition to that, you should always make sure you’re using the correct soil. In this case, Euphorbia Horrida requires well-draining gardening soil, preferably a mixture with the proper amount of nutrients. Double-check that it is a well-draining mixture that won’t soak the plant’s roots regardless of what kind you use (Euphorbia Horrida succulents are too picky about this).

Tip #2: Safe watering habits

Like cacti, as we’ve established the resemblance earlier, Euphorbia Horrida doesn’t require consistent watering. They’re very stable with neglect as far as watering habits go. That said, it’s recommended to only water your Euphorbia Horrida about once a week unless it appears to need more. A light misty spray could suffice until their following weekly watering routine.

Tip #3: Natural sunlight

These succulents require a good amount of bright, natural sunlight. However, some occasional slight shade never hurts! Succulents need this sunlight as a primary source of their essential nutrients. If you’re Euphorbia Horrida is indoors, you can place it near a window or potentially use bright lamps until they’re suitable for outdoors.

Tip #4: Tolerating temperatures

Typically, This succulent grows in warmer temperatures. However, cooler temperatures won’t harm the plant. Nevertheless, it’s not recommended that these shrubs be exposed to frosty cold temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip #5: Fertilization Recommendations

Fertilizing your Euphorbia Horrida is not necessarily a must-do task; however, it is sometimes recommended. For instance, applying some fertilizer to the soil is always a good idea before planting Euphorbia Horrida. You may also need to occasionally fertilize the plant if you’re using a different soil than the mixture mentioned in this article, as it is standard to use on these plants. That said, the best type of fertilizer to use with Euphorbia Horrida is a liquid, mineral-based fertilizer for cacti. In addition, the best time to apply the fertilizer is during the spring and summer months, but keep in mind that the fertilizer should be diluted before applying. Fertilization should be used every few months or even monthly.

Tip #6: Be Aware Of Pests And Common Diseases

Euphorbia Horrida is not typically an attractive plant for pests to occupy, but they can experience them from time to time nonetheless. The most commonly noticed pests on these plants are snails, scales, spider mites, and those pesky mealybugs; however, owners can potentially avoid such infestations by using a pesticide and applying it as needed. As for the common diseases on Euphorbia Horrida, fungi and root rot are known to be the most seen. Both of these issues can form from the act of overwatering your Euphorbia Horrida, hence why using the correct soil is vital, as well as establishing a good watering routine.

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• Euphorbia Spiralis Habitat, Propagation & More

How To Properly Propagate A Euphorbia Horrida Shrub

Does your Euphorbia Horrida appear to have issues like an infestation of root rot? Do you have the urge to duplicate your healthy Euphorbia Horrida succulent? Propagate it! There are two standard (and completely safe) techniques for propagating this shrub: seeds from the parent plant and leaf trimmings from the parent plant.

Technique #1: Propagating Euphorbia Horrida by using parent plant seeds

Propagating with seedlings is a much slower method that can take up to a few weeks to conclude or even begin working. However, it is still an effective option to go through with. You can take part in this technique by following just a few simple guidelines:

• (Seeds) Step #1: Obtain seeds from the parent plant (or purchase good quality seeds from a garden specialist).
• (Sowing) Step #2: Plant the seeds in the appropriate soil and gardening pot (refer to the care guidelines above).
• (Watering) Step #3: Water your transferred seedlings as frequently as needed while keeping an eye on the moistness of the soil. After a few weeks, your seedlings should start to bloom.

Technique #2: Propagating Euphorbia Horrida by using leaf trimmings

Leaf propagation is one of the faster methods of propagating this shrub – it’s also pretty simple! You’ll need to carefully snip off a healthy leaf from the parent plant to use this technique. Before doing so, cleanse your gardening shears or knife thoroughly. Follow the steps given below.

• (Cut) Step #1: Carefully trim one of the parent plants’ leaves. The chosen leaf should be healthy and completely intact.
• (Clean) Step #2: Gently clean the leaf – you can use a light water mist.
• (Dry) Step #3: Set the cleansed leaf in a dry, warm spot to allow it to dry up before transferring it.
• (Propagate) Step #4: Plant the leaf trimming in a separate gardening pot with the correct soil and water.

Before conclusion, …

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Conclusion

If you’re interested in growing shrubs but don’t want something too big or difficult to handle, consider owning a Euphorbia horrida. Being a low-maintenance succulent, it will only need minimal attention from its owners and an occasional weekly care routine. Not to mention it’s much smaller and thinner than most shrubs, making trimming and propagation simple!