Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Euphorbia flanaganii or Medusa's Head

The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Euphorbia flanaganii, Euphorbia meloformis, Euphorbia lomelii, Euphorbia enterophora, Euphorbia enopla, Euphorbia echinus, Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia coerulescens, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia candelabrum, Euphorbia canariensis, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia resinifera, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia tithymaloides, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia royleana, Euphorbia trigona, Euphorbia bivonae, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia handiensis, Euphorbia balsamifera, Euphorbia leucocephala.

Common names: Flanagan's euphorbia, Transkei medusa's head, Medusa's Head, Green Crown. This species is native to South Africa.

They are curious succulent plants that resemble the head of the mythological Medusa. They have a short central stem that stores water from which undulating stems sprout with tiny lanceolate leaves that last a short time on the plant. The flowers (not always bloom) are very small and bright yellow. They bloom in spring.

They are used in hanging pots and in brightly lit interiors. In frost-free climates they can be grown on rockeries or hanging from walls.

Euphorbia flanaganii needs a light exposure without receiving the sun's rays in the central hours of the day. They must be protected from cold and frost. They resist environmental dryness well.

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents. They transplant in spring if the roots show under the pot.

Water moderately at the base of the pot, always waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter do not water because the plant goes to rest.

Fertilize in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti every 3 weeks.

They do not need pruning.

The worst enemy of these plants is excess moisture that causes rot.

They propagate by stem cuttings in spring or summer. It's important to protect your hands from the irritating latex of these plants.

Images of the succulent plant Euphorbia flanaganii or Medusa's Head