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Art For Sale - Saint Michael Miniature Pen and Ink Drawings
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Our Lady of Guadalupe, stippled ink on genuine sheep skin, a (finished) Work In Progress |
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Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Inc.
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Euphorbia millii
The Crown of Thorns
Starting Cuttings
The basic culture and care for Euphorbia millii varieties is fairly simple, as it is for other succulent plants. The problem I have found to be most common is over-watering.
Euphorbias in general should be grown a little on the dry side. I water my Crown of Thorn plants once a week. In the summer, each week they get a full soaking, for the rest of the year, the watering may not be as heavy. I find that some of the new hybrids, sometimes referred to as the "Thai" hybrids, are slightly more tropical and actually enjoy slightly more water, but overall the soil should be dry one inch down from the surface before you water.
All types do best in full sun or bright light, although they will tolerate a lightly shaded area. One of my larger plants summers on an outdoor covered porch and thrives in the semi-shade of the south-west exposure.
When starting cuttings of Euphorbia plants, this is what I do:
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I use a clean sharp knife to take the cutting. I prefer at least four inches for the length, and longer if possible. |
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I let the cutting dry for at least 24 hours; the cut end will close over slightly and start to callous. |
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When starting these for myself, I then place the cutting upright in a 1/2 soil, 1/2 coarse sand mix, and I do not water. I place the pot in the shade or in an area of light but not heat, and I leave it alone. A few days later, I may slightly water it, but if it goes for a week without water, it will be fine. |
You will see yellowing leaves and shriveling, but this is natural until new roots form. At the first sign of new growth or new leaves, a regular watering schedule can begin, being careful not to water unless the soil, at a level of one inch deep, is completely dry.
I find these plants, even the more tropical hybrids, will bloom beautifully under this care. I do fertilize, only in the growing season. I use a 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer, mixed at half strength, once a month.
I find these to be some of the most rewarding of the succulent plants. :)