Care of the succulent plant Euphorbia lomelii or Slipper plant |
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The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes more than 2,000 species of cactiform plants, shrubs, and herbaceous plants distributed throughout Africa, America, and Madagascar. Some species are: Euphorbia lomelii, Euphorbia meloformis, Euphorbia enopla, Euphorbia echinus, Euphorbia coerulescens, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia candelabrum, Euphorbia canariensis, Euphorbia obesa, Euphorbia resinifera, Euphorbia tithymaloides, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia royleana, Euphorbia trigona, Euphorbia bivonae, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia handiensis, Euphorbia balsamifera. Common name: Slipper plant. Scientific synonyms: Pedilanthus macrocarpus, Tithymaloides macrocarpum. They are succulent plants with thick, waxy stems that have an erect habit that branch from the base and reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feeT) in height. They can produce small and rudimentary leaves that do not last long on the plant. The curious red, orange or yellow flowers appear at the end of the branches. They bloom in spring. The fruits are red. They are used in rockeries, in cactus and succulent gardens, in borders with dark foliage plants and in pots for patios and terraces. It is not recommended to plant them in areas of passage because the stems are very brittle. Euphorbia lomelii grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures; if it is cultivated in the shade it adopts an extended habit, not erect. It resists light and occasional frosts but it is better that the temperature does not drop below 5 ºC (41 ºF). They grow in any soil that has excellent drainage. The pot transplant is done in early spring. They resist drought well. Water once a month in spring and twice a month in summer. Reduce watering a lot in autumn and do not water in winter. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. They tolerate pruning well in any season of the year. They are plants quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity and cold. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by stem cuttings in summer or spring. You have to be careful with the irritating latex they produce. |
Images of the succulent plant Euphorbia lomelii or Slipper plant |
 Euphorbia lomelii  Euphorbia lomelii  Euphorbia lomelii  Euphorbia lomelii |