Care of the succulent plant Euphorbia aeruginosa or Miniature Saguaro |
The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Common names: Miniature Saguaro, Spurge. This species is native to South Africa. They are small succulent plants with beautiful bluish-green stems that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height. They have slight edges and numerous reddish spines that contrast with the color of the stems. They produce the small yellow flowers typical of many Euphorbias. Due to their small size Miniature Saguaro is used in pots and planters and in mini gardens for cacti and succulents. Euphorbia aeruginosa needs a semi-shade exposure avoiding the sun's rays in the hottest hours of the day. It does not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil must be very well drained; use a mixture of 60% leaf mulch and 40% coarse sand. Transplant in spring to a pot one size larger. Water regularly from spring to fall waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter, water very little (1 time a month at most). Miniature Saguaro does not need pruning or fertilizers. Euphorbia aeruginosa is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. Spurge propagates by seeds sown in spring; propagation from cuttings is a complicated process. You have to be very careful with the irritating latex that the plant produces. |
Images of the succulent plant Euphorbia aeruginosa or Miniature Saguaro |