Euphorbia trigona, a cactus-like succulent
Euphorbia trigona
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Species
- Euphorbia trigona
Other name:Euphorbia hermentiana
Euphorbia trigona rises imposingly from Gabon to Malawi. But, contrary to appearances, it's no candle cactus. The spiny plant belongs to the same family as euphorbia pulcherrima: the Euphorbias.
How to recognize Euphorbia trigona?
Euphorbia trigona is a succulent plant with a bushy habit. In its natural habitat, it grows to a height of two meters, with a broad, brown trunk. Indoors and in pots, it grows to no more than 1.8 meters.
The branched stems have three, rarely four, sides. Dark green, they may be mottled. Some cultivars, such as euphorbia trigona 'Rubra, are brown or red.
Like cacti, Euphorbia trigona has brownish-green spines. They measure two to four centimetres and rise from the stem crest.
The plant produces deciduous leaves when it receives sufficient light and water. Spatulate, they grow alongside the thorns.
The flowering of Euphorbia trigona is the subject of much debate. Some botanists claim that, in older specimens, yellow flowers bloom at the tips of the twigs in spring. Other experts maintain that the plant never flowers.
It's best to take gloves to grow your euphorbia. Not only does it have thorns, but its sap is toxic. It contains latex, a substance that irritates the skin and mucous membranes.
Our care tips
Euphorbia trigona is an easy-care plant. But, contrary to appearances, it's not a cactus. It needs regular watering and a little fertilizer to thrive.
But be careful! The plant contains latex, which is irritating to the skin, and is adorned with thorns. Remember to wear gloves when handling it.
Watering
Euphorbia trigona live in desert regions. They tolerate drought, but dread excess water. The substrate must remain completely dry for a few days between waterings.
When watering, use water at room temperature to avoid stressing the plant.
Roots run deep. You therefore need to moisten the entire root ball. Pour in water until the excess runs out through the drainage hole. Stop watering and empty any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.
Misting
Euphorbia trigona grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Euphorbia trigona to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Take advantage of repotting to offer your plant a pot in which its roots will flourish and moisture will not settle.
Choose a terracotta pot with holes. Pour a bed of gravel or, better still, pieces of pozzolan into the bottom. Then add a draining potting soil such as a special substrate for cacti and succulents, or a mixture of garden soil and sand. For even more nutrients, top up with leaf compost if available.
After removing your specimen, carefully untangle its roots and install it in its new location. Cover with potting soil and tamp down. Finish with a thin layer of clay balls or pozzolan on the surface to facilitate drainage.
To avoid the risk of stagnant water, avoid saucers and planters. If you use a planter, line the bottom with gravel or clay pebbles.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Fertilize your Euphorbia trigona with a fertilizer for cacti and succulents. You can also use a fertilizer for green plants, provided you halve the dose indicated by the manufacturer.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Take thetip of a healthy stem with a clean, sharp knife. Your cutting should be at least fifteen centimetres long.
Run your cutting under water and spray the wound with water to stop the latex leaking out.
Leave your stem to air-dry until a wedge forms. This takes between 48 hours and two weeks.
Obtain a pierced terracotta pot. Fill it with sand or potting soil for cacti and succulents.
Plant your cutting deeply so that it doesn't tilt or fall over. You'll need to bury it at least eight centimetres deep.
Place your new plant in a room with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. Find a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthSandy soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerLarge potToxic
- Origin
- Central Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenBrownPurple
- Flower color
- Yellow
Discover plants from the same family
Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra
Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'
Christmas star
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Milky Euphorbia
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
