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Euphorbia or euphorbia(Euphorbia) from the Euphorbiaceae family unites more than 1500 species of subtropical annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as undersized trees and shrubs. Many types of euphorbia differ markedly from each other in outward signs. Some species are represented by succulent plants, with columnar or cactus-shaped faceted stems, other species have absolutely no leaves or thorns, and there are varieties with thin leafy stems. One of the main features that unites all these species is the presence of milky juice in plant tissues.

Breeders have bred many varieties of euphorbia, perfectly adapted to growing at home. Euphorbia refers to undemanding species and caring for these fancy indoor plants does not cause any difficulties even for beginner gardeners. Photo of domestic varieties of milkweed, helpful tips on caring for them at room conditions, as well as recipes for the preparation of medicinal and cosmetics of these plants you will find in this article.

Phytodesigners appreciate spurge for the variety of forms and convenient use in organizing the floral space of the room, landscaping the interior. Many domestic species are used to decorate large halls, winter gardens, glazed greenhouses and verandas. Leafy varieties of milkweed are easy to trim and they make very original standard trees, which will harmoniously look in an ensemble with bonsai-shaped room azalea, fuchsia with bright flowers, hibiscus (Chinese rose), jasmine gardenia. Succulents will look interesting against the background of such miniature tree plants like ficus benjamina or rubbery , palm - like dracaena Marginata or domestic yucca , exotic monstera or chamedorea palm , myrtle tree or shefflera .

It is important to mention that the milky juice of euphorbia is toxic and quite poisonous. Therefore, try to keep this houseplant as far away from curious little children and pets as possible. In certain doses and after special treatment, milky juice helps to cure many diseases. AT traditional medicine Euphorbia juice has been used for a long time and is not inferior in popularity to medicinal Kalanchoe, Aloe Vera or Agave, Crassula Crassula. With its help, warts are removed, calluses, age spots and various defects on the face are removed. After a special treatment of the stems and leaves of milkweed, effective medicines for the treatment of tumors, peptic ulcers, gastritis. The plant has established itself as an excellent tonic and blood purifier. Euphorbia root is rich in ascorbic acid, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins. The root is crushed and the powder is used to treat burns, boils and skin ulcers.

Popular types of euphorbia that are grown at home include White-veined Euphorbia (Euphorbia leuconeura), Fischer or Pallas Euphorbia (Euphorbia fischeriana), triangular Euphorbia (Euphorbia trigona) and Mil Euphorbia (Euphorbia milii).

- photos of popular types of euphorbia

Euphorbia white-veined (or white-veined) can be attributed to one of the most beloved domestic species among our lovers indoor plants. This is a perennial herbaceous plant with a lignified stem at the bottom and a five-ribbed club-shaped one at the top. In the upper part of the stem grow obovate leaves, pointed at the top, which are covered with silvery veins. At home, blooms annually. The flowers are small, pinkish in color, collected in an inflorescence.

Euphorbia Pallas popularly has a second name - "man-root", as it is famous for its effective healing qualities. The root of the plant contains lactones in large quantities, which are known for their antitumor and antibacterial properties. Medicines from the root of Euphorbia Pallas are very useful for the elderly.

Euphorbia triangular very similar to a cactus with an elongated stem shape. The shape of the stem is trihedral. On the sides there are a number of tubercles with double spines. The ribs also have oblong-shaped leaves. At home, unpretentious triangular euphorbia grows very well and is often used for decoration. floristic compositions of such popular flowering houseplants as the phalaenopsis orchid or dendrobium, tuberous begonia, large-flowered geranium pelargonium, European cyclamen, indoor gloxinia, amaryllis belladonna or cinnabar clivia, large-flowered hippeastrum, Thompson's clerodendrum, homemade balsam.

Euphorbia Mil also called the "crown of thorns" for the peculiar shape of the stem with thorns. On the stems of this prickly shrub grow elongated leaves with a rounded top. Cyantia (flowers) are collected in complex inflorescences and are decorated with bright yellowish or pinkish bracts. The flowering period of milkweed Mil falls on spring-autumn. At home, this type of milkweed is unpretentious and grows rapidly.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

The best location is a rack or bookcase on the windowsill of the south or southeast window of the room. All types of euphorbia are very photophilous and therefore in winter period need additional lighting. In hot summer days you can slightly shade the window glass. But for cactus-shaped succulents with a fleshy stem (for example, Euphorbia triangular), direct sunlight is not terrible either. But on the leaves of species such as Euphorbia Mil, Euphorbia white-veined or Euphorbia Palassa, burns from direct rays may remain.

Temperature regime.

During dormancy (usually winter time) Euphorbia loves a light coolness of 12-15 ° C. If possible, take the plant pot to a glazed loggia or balcony. Optimal temperature regime in spring and summer - 18-26°C. Small temperature drops during the day are not terrible for indoor milkweed, but keep the plant away from drafts.

Air humidity.

The ideal option is a moderate humidity level (40-50%). But euphorbia is also very resistant to dry air. But species with leafy stems should be sprayed regularly, especially on hot summer days.

Watering.

Use warm, well-settled water for watering milkweed. In winter, water the plant very rarely and sparingly ( leaf species, such as M. white-veined or M. Pallas, once a week, and cacti-like - such as M. triangular, it is enough to water once every 2-3 weeks). Before the next watering, the earth should be almost dry.
Moderate watering in summer and spring. Overflow is very dangerous for the root system of the plant. It is allowed to dry the entire substrate before the next watering, except earthy coma. Pour out all the water flowing into the pan immediately.

Earth mix and top dressing.

An earthen mixture for planting homemade milkweed can be made independently. To do this, mix equal parts leaf soil, garden soil, brick chips, coarse sand. Add some birch charcoal to the mixture. One part of rotted compost can be added to the soil mixture for M. white-veined.

During the growing season, apply top dressing for succulents once every two weeks. Do not add nitrogenous fertilizers, as the skin of the fleshy euphorbia stems may crack. You can add a small amount of fertilizer for decorative flowering houseplants (M. white-veined, M. Mil).

Transfer.

For transplant

At home, a rare plant should know the secrets of the content. In this article, the editors have tried to provide a collection of tips in order to avoid mistakes in the content unusual plant. The care secrets of many classes of flowers are similar. capricious plant requires individual compliance. We recommend that you determine for subsequent actions to which family the desired plant is assigned.

How to properly care for milkweeds?

The genus Euphorbia covers more than 2000 various kinds(including succulents) living in the tundra and swamps, in the tropics and deserts with their waterless climate. Outwardly, euphorbias differ greatly from each other in their growth form, need for water and sun, so there are no general rules for their care. What is good for one may be a problem for others.

For example, akalifa (a separate genus of the family) loves water, while succulent spurges do not tolerate constant moisture. Poinsettias require bright diffused light, while succulent euphorbias require direct sun. Croton (a separate genus) loves hot, humid air almost throughout the year, while succulents prefer dry, cool wintering, etc.

The requirements for caring for succulent euphorbia are simple and almost the same. They should be placed in a bright, well-lit place, and the temperature of the content should not fall below 17 degrees, although some milkweeds can withstand short-term temperature drops. Plants do not suffer much from the dry air of apartments, some stem succulents, especially with a bluish bloom (euphorbia obese), are generally not recommended to be sprayed. At the same time, small shiny leaves (euphorbia mile) in very dry air can dry out and fall off, they must be sprayed periodically. In some spurges, leaves fall in winter, this is a natural phenomenon. When watering, be careful. The soil between waterings must be slightly dry. In winter, watering should be reduced a little more.

Euphorbia is usually transplanted in the spring (every two years). Pot take a little bigger size, using a light, well-permeable earthen mixture, where you can add sand, pieces of charcoal. Soil with a high calcium content is unsuitable for growing euphorbia, as it causes diseases in the plant. For top dressing use a very weak solution universal fertilizer, applying it from spring to autumn every 20 days. It is not necessary to fertilize in deep autumn-winter.

How to care for milkweed?

Most euphorbias have a common feature - when cut from the stems and leaves of these plants, white, viscous, like milk, juice flows out. Due to this, the name of the family is euphorbiaceae. Some milkweed juice is clear. In many species of milkweed, the juice is poisonous to humans. He can provide Negative influence both in contact with the skin and inside the body. That's why poisonous properties many, such as African spurges, were used by the local population to make poisoned arrowheads. But not all plants that secrete milky juice are euphorbia. For example, a dandelion that secretes white juice has nothing to do with this family.

Another feature of the representatives of this genus is the peculiar structure of flowers, collected in inflorescences. Tiny inflorescences are often surrounded by showy, covering leaves.

About 450 species of Euphorbiaceae are succulents. Some of them are very similar to cacti.

The stem of milkweeds is usually erect, with numerous shoots. At home, depending on the species, spurge can reach 3 meters in height.

In homes, you can most often find triangular euphorbiaresembling a chandelier; spurge white-veined, similar to a palm tree; Euphorbia Mil, called the crown of thorns; the most beautiful spurge (poinsettia), blooming on Catholic Christmas. All the diverse, beautiful, sometimes mesmerizing with their simplicity and some kind of severe charm, representatives of this family cannot be listed. However, with all the diversity, one can distinguish general rules milkweed care.

How to choose euphorbia

Depending on the type of milkweed, the size of the plant is very different. Therefore, before purchasing this or that spurge, think about exactly where you will put it. choose healthy plant, without visible damage to the stem and leaves.

How to care for milkweed

Euphorbia is quite easy to care for. The plant needs a lot of light. Unlike other plants, with rare exceptions, they do not suffer from direct sunlight. Variegated species in the shade generally lose their characteristic color.

The optimum temperature for these plants is 18 - 20 degrees. Although some species are able (albeit not for long) to endure a temperature drop of up to 4 - 5 degrees.

From spring to autumn, spurges should not be over-watered. When watering, in order to avoid decay of various parts of the plant, it is not necessary to moisten the stem and twigs. In spring and summer, spurge should be sprayed from time to time. In winter, watering is almost completely stopped (the soil must completely dry out).

No matter how unpretentious spurges are, they also do not like drafts. It is drafts that can lead to yellowing and falling leaves.

When caring for milkweed, special attention should be paid to maintaining the appearance of the plant. It is not recommended to touch spurge of any kind with your hands. Therefore, dust can be removed with a brush.

Transfer

Transplantation of milkweed is carried out in the spring (it is possible once every two years). Usually pick up a container or pot slightly larger than the previous one. For transplanting, you can purchase potting soil for cactus or succulent plants in the store (at least a third consisting of sand). At the bottom of the pot it is necessary to lay out drainage from pebbles or expanded clay.

reproduction

Euphorbia is propagated mainly by cuttings. At the end of spring, cutting off the stalk, let the milky juice flow out. It is better to sprinkle a cut of the cutting charcoal and dry for 2-3 days. Then the stalk is planted in sandy soil. While rooting is in progress, the plant must be protected from direct sunlight, and the soil must be kept sufficiently moist.

Pests

Euphorbia most often can be attacked by worms, which must be immediately disposed of with a special insecticide.

This plant is a succulent and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is almost impossible to determine the homeland of this plant, as it has spread throughout the world. But most species grow in Central and South Africa.

Numerous species of this plant also grow in Russia. They can be seen at the edges of roads and on the edges of the forest. This herbaceous plant can create dense carpets. Due to the fact that this plant does not require special complex care, it has taken root not only at home, but also in the garden. How to grow in the garden, read here.

Euphorbia - types and description

All types of milkweed have a milky juice in their stems, which is poisonous. It, getting on the mucous skin of a person, causes severe burns.

You should also avoid getting the juice into the stomach, as this causes poisoning. Therefore, when working with this plant, you must adhere to certain personal safety requirements, work with gloves, avoiding direct contact.

Types of home milkweed

Among the larger number of species of milkweed, several particularly common species can be distinguished.

1. Euphorbia Akalifa - it is also called foxtail. It is a shrub with strongly branched branches, grows small in stature. This is one of the most common indoor types of milkweed. Leaf plates are small with small denticles along the edges. Flower growers, first of all, are attracted by beautiful bright red flowers, which look like small lights against the background of greenery. Flowers are collected in spikelets hence the second name arose. This variety blooms from early spring to late autumn. At this time, he loves enhanced watering and timely top dressing with fertilizers for succulents. Likes a lot of light.
2. Euphorbia bupleurum is rare view with almost no branching stems, grows no more than 20 cm in height. Small tubercles are located along the entire length of the stem in the form of a spiral. Leaf plates are located only on the top of the plant. This species is strictly forbidden to water in the winter. Propagated only by seed.
3. Canarian - this shrub is more like a tree, as it reaches 12 meters in height. The branches have up to 5 ribs with small knobs, ending in double brownish needles. The leaves are only in their infancy. This species propagates best from cuttings.
4. Euphorbia Pallas, it is called the "root man", has a trihedral stem with rudiments of leaves. It is wonderful to branch, repeating its shape, which once grew in nature.
5. Euphorbia Mil is also called the crown of thorns for a kind of bush with thorns on the stems. Flowers are collected in false inflorescences of red color. This unpretentious spurge blooms twice a year - in spring and autumn.
6. Tirucalli is beautiful spurge with falling leaves. Grows at home more than a meter. Since it grows very quickly, it requires crown formation.
7. White-leaf - its shape resembles a palm tree and grows to a height of about 80 cm. At the top there are green leaf plates. They have a distinctive pattern of white veins. Flowering indoors is very long.

Types of garden milkweed

Since this is not a problem plant, it does not occupy the last place in the garden in the flower beds.

1. Bordered euphorbia serves as an excellent decoration for a flower bed. He has an unusual bright coloring leaves, a wide white stripe runs along the edge of the green leaf. This plant propagates by seeds by self-seeding.
2. Cypress euphorbia - when its flowering begins, it is impossible not to notice it. Bright green-yellow flowers cover the entire bush. Easily propagated by cuttings and layering of roots, it easily conquers a new space for itself and therefore it is considered a ground cover plant.
3. Multicolor is a small shrub that grows in the shape of a ball. Its numerous yellow flowers look very elegant throughout the warm season. it frost-resistant variety does not require shelter for the winter, propagated by cuttings and dividing the bush.
4. Almond-shaped - attracts gardeners with bright light green flowers. These beautiful flowers move at the slightest breeze. The bush grows no more than half a meter in height and this species takes root well only in the south of Russia. In other regions, even shelter for the winter does not always help protect it from the cold.
5. Myrtle spurge is a perennial plant, barely reaching a height of 20 cm. beautiful leaves, and creates a beautiful green carpet when growing. It lives well only in the south of Russia.
6. Euphorbia capitate - forms a dense carpet, which slightly rises above the ground. It begins to bloom in early summer with beautiful yellow flowers that look especially good against the background of bluish-green leaves.

Milkweed cultivation and care at home

With a large variety of plants, caring for it is very similar. All types of milkweed prefer sunlight. With a lack of light, species with colored leaves lose their color.

Euphorbia does not need an annual spring transplant, as it can live in one container for up to five years. To grow a flower indoors, you need to plant it in suitable land. You can either buy ready-made soil, or make it yourself.

The composition of the soil includes:

• two parts of leafy land;
• two parts of sand;
• three parts of a mixture of clay and sod land.

In the spring and summer, the plant prefers abundant watering, and in the cold season, the flower is kept almost without watering. Because cold air and moisture can play a bad role, and the plant may begin to rot. In winter, the temperature in the room should not fall below 10 degrees Celsius.

This plant is well propagated by cuttings, grafting and seed propagation. Garden euphorbia remarkably reproduces by seeds that are sown in early spring into damp ground.

It is very easy to propagate euphorbia by cuttings; for this, the stalk is carefully cut off and dried for a couple of hours. On the mother bush, the wound is sprinkled activated carbon to prevent rotting. The stalk is planted in the ground and practically not watered, after a while it takes root. If the room is very dry, the cutting can be covered glass jar to simulate a greenhouse.

Since the homeland of the plant is Africa, it does not require high humidity and spraying the plant with water is not worth it. But, if you give them a warm shower about once a month, then they respond well to it. These plants do not like to stand in drafts and begin to shed their leaves when it is present.

To form a crown, spurge can be safely pinched. During the period active growth You need to use fertilizer for cacti. But the dose written in the instructions must be halved. Plants with a thick stem should not be fertilized, because from an excess of nitrogen, the skin can burst and an unsightly wound is formed, which can cause decay.

Diseases and pests

These flowers are mostly disease-free and pest-free. Most often they die from flooding or strong drafts. At the first sign of indisposition of the plant, it should be stopped watering for about 14 days and put in a warm, cozy place.

Sometimes they are affected by scale insects or whiteflies. To get rid of it, it is necessary to process it according to the instructions with Actelik.

In Africa, some types of milkweed were used by aboriginal hunters to prepare poisoned arrowheads. Traditional healers use euphorbia for kidney ailments and as a laxative medicine, it anesthetizes and is an antacid when bitten by a rabid animal.

The perfume industry uses it to add to bleaching creams and lotions to help get rid of freckles. Some types of plants are even used for food, after removing the existing spines.

Since spurge is a natural aphrodisiac that increases human immunity, it is also an antibacterial agent. Therefore, with its help, wound healing occurs. Milkweed root can be used for headaches. The extract from the root is highly emetic and is therefore used after a bite from a wild animal or for stomach infections.

Decoctions can be used to take baths for diseases such as:

• gout;
• Chiryaks;
• various skin rashes.

Also, with the help of undiluted milk, you can get rid of warts and lichen by lubricating the affected areas.

Tincture for the treatment of fungal diseases

One teaspoon of herbs is brewed in 500 gr. a jar of boiling water. After 30 minutes of infusion, strain and apply this solution in the form of micro baths to the affected areas of the body.

Decoction for the treatment of the stomach

To cause a slight laxative effect, it is necessary to 5 gr. roots of the plant add half a liter of water and bring to a boil and turn off. Let it brew for 10 minutes and take orally three times a day for a tablespoon.

Lichen tincture

They take the fresh juice of the plant and lubricate the affected areas with it. Wash off with warm water after 25 minutes.

But we must remember that treatment with the help of a plant should be started only after consultation with the attending physician.

Contraindications

If there is an overdose of taking drugs based on milkweed, then severe inflammation may appear on the skin, and if taken orally, this leads to severe poisoning of the human body. Therefore, it cannot be taken uncontrollably. It is not allowed to get pure milkweed juice on the cornea of ​​​​the eye or an open wound.

During pregnancy and lactation, it is strictly forbidden to use drugs that include spurge.

plant harvesting

In folk medicine, they do not benefit from the entire green mass of the plant, but only the milky juice and rhizome of the plant. After squeezing the juice, it is continued to be evaporated in a water bath, after which it is poured into sealed containers.

In order to keep the juice in its pure form and prevent it from turning into poison, it is necessary to pour the juice before twisting the sterile container. thin layer rendered lamb fat. After that, all containers are stored at almost zero temperature no higher than +5 degrees Celsius.

Beautiful plants that do not require special care and feel great in apartments with central heating are the dream of any grower. It is these that include indoor euphorbia: it is so unpretentious that it “forgives” the owners most of the flaws in agricultural technology, while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Indoor spurge (euphorbia) is a member of the spurge family. The genus of milkweeds is extensive: according to some data, it has over 800, and according to others - about 2000 species. Mostly these are succulent or cactus-like herbs and shrubs, perennial and annual. There are even small trees. In nature, most species live in the subtropics. Only a few of them settle in tropical and continental zones. For example, only 160 species live in Russia.

The appearance of milkweeds is varied. The stems may be fleshy or lignified, leafy or covered with thorns. The color, shape of the leaves, their location on the stem, and the structure of the root system also differ.

Euphorbia blooms in the warm season. Original look "flowers", devoid of petals, and often sepals. They consist of cyathias, private symmetrical bell-shaped inflorescences formed from fused leaves. Actually the flower is inside the "wrapper" on a long stem.

With all the diversity, there is a common feature for all members of the family by which the Euphorbia flower can be distinguished: its tissues are pierced by branched vessels filled with white milky juice.

Popular varieties and varieties

In indoor floriculture, the following types of milkweed have become widespread:

1. Trihedral (triangular, trine). A bush about 50 cm high consists of numerous trihedral fleshy green stems. The ribs alternate between leaves and brownish spines.
2. Fat. Differs in slow growth. The stem is spherical, ribbed, with small teeth on the ribs. In the same place flower stalks are formed. There are no thorns.
3. Euphorbia Mil (brilliant) is a compact shrub with densely intertwined thorny branches. On their tops throughout the year, small flowers of red, pink, yellow or white, depending on the variety, color. The leaves are light green, ovate.
4. Euphorbia white-veined (white-veined) resembles a palm tree: the trunk is lignified at the base, fleshy and ribbed at the point of growth. Scales are visible on the ribs - traces of fallen leaves. The latter are preserved only at the apex: elongated ovoid, dark green, with contrasting white streaks.
5. Euphorbia tirucalli is a tree-like succulent that can grow up to 6 m even at room conditions. This spurge needs to be cut regularly. The stem is smooth, erect, with an abundance of fleshy branches. The leaves are linear, up to 12 cm long. They do not participate in the process of photosynthesis; are retained only at the top. The plant is decorative only due to the "branches", which are responsible for its nutrition.
6. Euphorbia comb (ribbed, comb-rib) - succulent-stem tall shrub. The stem is fleshy, ribbed, covered with thorns and scars from fallen leaves. The foliage is glossy, bright green above and olive white below, oval, with prominent central veins.
7. Euphorbia Canary has strongly branching shoots at the base. The branches are faceted, with 4 or 6 ribs covered with short brown thorns. It has no leaves, flowers are located at the top.

Each of the varieties is attractive in its own way: if you decide to acquire euphorbia, you can easily choose a plant to your liking.

How to care at home

Euphorbia care comes down to choosing a suitable place for it and moderate watering. Euphorbia refers to plants that excessive attention can only harm. Even profusely flowering varieties, such as euphorbia mile, do not require specific care at home.

It is important to remember that this plant is poisonous: if it gets on the skin, its juice causes burning and itching, and food poisoning milkweed leads to severe toxic gastroenteritis and damage to the central nervous system. Mucous membranes react sharply to the ingress of juice. When the oral cavity is affected, hyperemia, numbness and swelling occur. The eyes react with swelling, active lacrimation, which are accompanied by pain and burning. Possible development of blindness.

If the juice gets inside, they take enterosorbents and go to the hospital. After contact, the skin is washed and lubricated with a burn remedy, antihistamines are taken. Wash eyes in case of injury large quantity water and immediately contact the nearest ophthalmological department.

Lighting

Different types of euphorbia differ in the need for lighting. Variegated varieties require an abundance of diffused light, plain or devoid of leaves in summer can be placed in partial shade, on the northern windows. Direct sunlight will only harm them.

In winter, there is not enough light for this plant even on the southern windowsills, which leads to intense leaf loss. Can you provide him additional illumination within 10 hours or put up with temporary "baldness". In the spring, euphorbia will quickly restore its appearance. Varieties devoid of foliage are more indifferent to a lack or excess of light.

Temperature and humidity

Euphorbia feels great with a wide range of temperatures - from 15 to 25 degrees. Do not harm him and sudden changes in temperature; but it is better to protect the plant from cold drafts. All varieties are better tolerated in the summer heat in the fresh air - they are taken out to balconies, verandas or placed in the garden under the protection of larger plants.

Beautifully flowering euphorbias are provided with a cold (15 degrees) wintering, otherwise they will not lay buds. The rest of the species is fine at room temperature. Bushes hibernating on window sills must be protected from hot air streams coming from batteries central heating. Euphorbia does not need spraying.

How to water and how to fertilize

It is important to remember that with external resemblance, euphorbia are not cacti - they need more moisture. Each species has its own need for water. You can determine it based on appearance: the more spurge resembles a succulent, the less it “drinks”. You can determine for sure whether a plant needs water by “feeling” the soil - it should dry out by a few centimeters. Spurge milk is watered exclusively settled and heated to room temperature water.

Euphorbia is fed once every two weeks in summer and once a month in winter. use mineral fertilizer for cacti or universal. In the latter case, the dosage from that indicated on the package is reduced by half.

reproduction

The reproduction of milkweed depends on its shape. From plants with shoots, cuttings can be taken. Cactus-like euphorbias are propagated by children or vaccinations. Some species produce seeds.

Euphorbia Mil, triangular and tirucalli are easily propagated by cuttings. Planting material is cut from the top of the stems. Roots can be germinated in warm water or in a mixture of peat and sand. It is important to provide the cuttings with a temperature of at least 25 degrees and keep them away from direct sunlight. Roots develop quickly - within a month young plant can be transplanted from "seating" cups into pots with a diameter of 8-9 cm.

In order to successfully root euphorbia, it is important to quickly wash off the milky juice that has appeared on the cut - it contains rubber, which, when solidified, forms a dense film that prevents the formation of roots.

Euphorbia comb, white-veined and others having a "palm" shape are propagated mainly by seeds. Theoretically, they can also be cuttings, but after pruning, these species do not branch well. They actively produce seeds. By the end of the first year of life, an abundance of inconspicuous yellowish inflorescences appears in the axils of the leaves. After ripening, the seeds are scattered over a distance of up to 1 m. Therefore, if you do not want to weed out euphorbia from neighboring pots, collect green boxes or cover with gauze.

The ideal medium for germination would be a mixture of peat and sand. sown planting material superficially, in a thoroughly moistened substrate. The containers are covered with glass until sprouts appear. After the appearance of the second leaf, they dive, adding 1 part of the leafy soil to the planting mixture. Two weeks after transplantation, they begin to feed. Seedlings develop quickly - in a year they grow up to 15 cm and bloom.

Euphorbia obese, like other species that do not have branches, can reproduce exclusively by seeds. They are sown immediately after collection in a mixture of peat and sand. Greenhouse conditions for germination are not needed. Moisten the soil only when it dries out, using a spray bottle.

Fortunately for lovers of bizarre exotic forms, all types of spurges with a non-lignified stem grow together perfectly when grafted. This method is suitable if you want to propagate a rare desert species or create an original composition. An incision is made on the stock so that it is convenient to combine it with the scion. Both sections are thoroughly washed with boiled water heated to 40 degrees. If the milky juice has hardened and is not washed off, it is scraped off and washed again.

After the juice ceases to stand out and the pulp is clean, without traces of it, the slices are treated with crushed charcoal. Then the stock and scion are combined, pressed tightly, and fixed with a pressure bandage. The plant is looked after as usual, trying not to disturb the grafting site. If tissue splicing is successful, the graft will start to grow. After that, the bandage can be carefully removed.

Transfer

Young, intensively growing euphorbias are transplanted annually. Mature plants need soil replacement every 2-3 years. All transplant work should be done with gloves. Avoid swallowing plant parts, protect yourself from getting milky juice in your eyes.

Choosing the right pot and soil

The soil for milkweed must be loose and conduct water well. The mixture should contain 3 parts of leafy soil, 2 parts of peat and 1 part of sand. If you do not have the opportunity to make a substrate, you can purchase soil for cacti in a specialized store - it contains all the necessary components.

The pot is chosen in accordance with the variety of milkweed. Plants with a strong tap root system will benefit from deep containers. Euphorbia devoid of trunks with a superficial location of the roots will feel better in wide low bowls. Optimal distance from the trunk to the sides - 7 cm. Pots must have drainage holes to drain excess moisture.

Step by step transplant process

The signal that your spurge needs to be transplanted is the roots peeking out of the drainage holes.

Transplanting euphorbia is easy:

1. The plant is taken out of the old container along with an earthen clod.
2. Shake off part of the earth, trying not to damage the roots.
3. A layer of drainage is placed in a new pot, fresh soil is poured on top.
4. It is important not to use used expanded clay - fungal spores and harmful microorganisms can accumulate in its pores.
5. The plant is set so that the trunk does not have to be buried.
6. Top up the earth, lightly tamping.
7. Watered.

After transplantation, spurge does not need greenhouse conditions.

Growing problems

Euphorbias can be affected mealybug, shield, spider mite, occasionally aphids. The first two pests are quite difficult to deal with: you will need a cycle of 5-6 treatments with a systemic insecticide, for example, Aktara or Fufanon. Euphorbia can "catch" aphids only when kept outdoors. Recognizing this pest is easy, as well as getting rid of it. Two treatments with any insecticide are enough. If the infection is not severe, wash the leaves and stems with soap and water.

Euphorbia is quite sensitive to fungal diseases. They appear when waterlogged: the leaves and stems begin to wither, become stained with rot. To save the plant, remove it from the ground, cut off all damaged parts of the root system and trunk, remove rotten leaves and plant in a fresh earth mixture. In case of minor damage, it is enough to treat the soil and the aerial part with a fungicide and reduce watering.

On the decorative qualities plants can be reflected and improper care.

Euphorbia is one of the most popular indoor plants. Considerable fame for this flower has brought a huge variety of species. According to some estimates, the total number of milkweeds, or, to put it scientific language euphorbia is about two thousand species. It can be shrubs, and small trees, and perennial herbs.

Domestic spurges are very, very diverse. Many growers with real rapture grow these amazing indoor flowers at home. Still, after all, different types of euphorbia differ from each other simply dramatically. Some of them look very much like cacti, while others are graceful bushes.

In total, according to flower growers in the home " botanical garden» You can grow about thirty species of milkweeds. Consider those that growers most often grow in their apartments, private homes and even in offices.

Types of home spurges

• Euphorbia the most beautiful. This species can be called one of the most popular among the species of milkweed. others, widely famous titles- poinsettia or Christmas tree. It blooms in November-December with rich, usually bright red flowers. The presence of colorful bracts exquisitely emphasizes the flowering of the plant.
• spurge jellyfish head. An amazing species of milkweed, which can be recognized at a glance due to its unusual appearance. Leafless branches are somewhat reminiscent of octopus tentacles. You will never see the stem of this type of euphorbia, as it is completely hidden underground. small yellow flowers randomly decorate thin long shoots scattered over the surface of the soil. "Medusa" perfectly tolerates the shadow and grows and develops superbly with a meager amount sunlight.
• Euphorbia Abyssinian. Giant houseplant. It can reach up to nine meters in height. It is an upright, leafless succulent. Perfect for breeding in the home botanical garden.
• Euphorbia Foxtail. Such an amazing name evergreen shrub received, thanks to the amazing spike-shaped inflorescences of a bright fiery color. In total, about twenty-five such inflorescences can form on a bush. The flowering time of the plant is approximately eight months.
• Euphorbia Aimak. Branchy succulent. It can reach up to four and a half meters in height. Has a tree structure.
• Euphorbia the Terrifying. Reaches a height of about thirty centimeters. This type The plant is very much like a cactus. Stiff spines are formed on the stems, in summer it can bloom with yellow and green flowers.
• Euphorbia Banded. Succulent with white bracts. Reaches a height of sixty to seventy centimeters. It is characterized by slightly pointed oval leaves.

You can also cite other types of milkweed as an example: Almond-shaped, Lamba, Azure, Haracids, Canary and others.

How to care for milkweed at home

To the great joy of many gardeners, we hasten to inform you (if you, of course, have not heard yet): Euphorbia is an unpretentious plant in care. And this is just fine, because you can grow absolutely any indoor plant species without fear for their continued existence.

Choosing a place for milkweed

Euphorbia is indeed one of the most unique houseplants in its properties. The fact is that this flower is one of the few among those who are not afraid of direct sunlight.

Important! Euphorbia can be safely grown on windows with south side at home. For some species of this plant, the abundance of sunlight is great opportunity keep true saturated green color leaves.

In addition to lighting, the degree of ventilation of the room should also be taken into account. For example, spurge does not like drafts very much. Also, the plant does not welcome too high levels of humidity in the room.

The first and subsequent perennial transplants

A miracle happened, and a beautiful spurge appeared in your house. This is wonderful, because now your interior will be exquisitely decorated with an original and unpretentious perennial. But even here, every gardener faces a difficult choice: to transplant or not to transplant the plant into a new pot?

Rules for the first plant transplant

• Euphorbia transplantation is carried out strictly in spring time. This allows the plant to recover faster and adapt to new growing conditions.
• But plant breeders acquire euphorbia not only in summer, but throughout the year. And in some cases, the plant simply cannot wait for the spring season. It is worth transplanting an indoor flower when:
  • it was purchased in a shipping container.
  • if in the store the euphorbia was grown not in a nutritious, but in a special substrate with the addition of a growth stimulator. Such soil is not suitable for long-term cultivation of milkweed.

Preparing the soil for milkweed

Beautiful ready ground for milkweed can be purchased at a flower shop. The ideal option would be a nutrient mixture prepared specifically for succulent plants.

A great alternative to potting soil for succulent plants is cactus potting soil.

If you could not find either one or the other, then you can prepare the soil yourself. To do this, mix the necessary ingredients in certain proportions. There are two options for preparing soil for milkweed.

Option number 1. You should take two parts of leafy soil and sand, as well as three parts of humus and mix thoroughly.

Option number 2. Mix the turf and sand in equal proportions.

It is important! We should not forget about good layer drainage, which without fail laid out on the bottom of the pot at each transplant indoor flower. As a drainage, you can take crushed pebbles or expanded clay.

Scheme of planting and transplanting milkweed

• Planting and transplanting milkweed is carried out in the warm season, in the spring.
• Euphorbia requires regular transplantation. This should be done at least once every two years.
• Nutrient soil for milkweed should be prepared in advance. If you are not sure about the quality of the soil mixture, it is better to disinfect it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate just in case.
• Euphorbia transplantation is recommended by the transshipment method. It will ensure the complete safety of the root system of the plant. By the way, many types of milkweed are characterized by fragility of the roots. Therefore, an inept transplant can cause serious damage to the plant up to its death.
• A new pot for milkweed should be chosen about two to three centimeters larger than its predecessor. You should not buy containers "for growth", because this can cause rotting of the perennial root system.
• After planting, the plant should be watered abundantly.

The temperature of the plant

Euphorbia can be safely attributed to the group of heat-loving plants. In addition to a sincere love for the sun's rays, the perennial tends to stay in comfortable conditions during the whole year. However, there are some differences between the period of active growth and the period of rest:

• Summer the temperature at which spurge should be kept should range from +20 to +25 C. It will be just great if you manage to take the succulent out into the open air: to the loggia, balcony or garden. Comfort temperature, a large number of sunshine, Fresh air have a beneficial effect on the development and further flowering of the plant.
• in winter the temperature of the content of milkweed is the range from +12 to +16 C.

On a note! Not all types of milkweed differ in the same thermophilicity. Some succulents are able to withstand temperatures as low as +4+6 degrees.

Watering milkweed

Different stages of plant development correspond to different needs in moistening the soil of an indoor flower.
During the active growing season, euphorbia needs abundant watering. Also, regular spraying will not interfere with him.

On a note! In many species of milkweed, the dormant period does not fall in the autumn-winter period, but in the spring. This is worth remembering when adjusting the volume of watering the plant.

During the dormant period, watering of milkweed should be largely reduced. Spraying the plant during this period should not be.

Irrigation water quality plays a significant role in proper care for a perennial. Water should be well settled, soft. Should not be watered cold water. This can harm the plant. It is best if you water the succulent with room temperature water.

There are times when you simply do not have time to defend the water or simply forget to do it. There is nothing criminal in this! In such a situation, it will be enough just to boil tap water and cool it to room temperature. You can also solve the problem by filtering tap water or watering spurge with artesian water. All options are simple and affordable. But it should be remembered that in any case it is better to defend the water for irrigation.

plant hygiene

Euphorbia care consists of many different and very important elements. This is the correct first planting and subsequent timely transplants, competent watering, a temperature comfortable for the plant ... But do not forget about appearance plants. Even if you do everything right, but forget to pay attention to this aspect, the plant will not please you with its flawless flowering. It is about removing dust deposits and other contaminants.

How to properly clean euphorbia from dusty plaque:

• In many ways, it all depends on the specific type of milkweed. If it has rather fragile leaves or they are simply absent, you can use a soft brush for painting (in no case for glue, it can damage the plant). Gently wetting the brush, you should gently clean the surface of dirt.
• An excellent alternative to a brush is a regular rag. Gently moisten it in water and completely wipe the surface of the leaves.
• If the plant has reached a significant size, then it can be rinsed in the shower. Just put the perennial in the bathtub or shower, gently direct a thin jet warm water, and the surface of the leaves and slowly wash off the dusty coating from the surface of the plants.

After the plant has been cleaned of dust and other contaminants, it should be placed in a sunny place so that it dries quickly and effectively. Temperature drops and drafts are especially dangerous during this period. As soon as the plant is completely dry, it can be put in its usual place.

Be careful! The milky juice of milkweed can cause irritation on the skin. Therefore, any care for the plant should be carried out exclusively with gloves.

Difficulties in growing milkweed

Even the most responsible grower can face a number of challenges when growing succulents. Among them are:

• Pest Invasion. Euphorbia can attack aphid. Damaged leaves first discolor, curl and then curl, dry and fall off. Actellik, Fitoverm will help to overcome aphids. With a weak infection - treatment with soapy water.

  The "offender" of milkweed may turn out to be whitefly living on the underside of leaves and sucking out cell sap. The pest should be fought with the help of Inta-Vira, Aktellik and other insecticides.

• leaf fall. In most cases, it is the result of a lack of sunlight. It is necessary to immediately find a plant more comfortable for him in the house.
• Drying, yellowing of leaves. As we have already found out, this may be the result of a pest attack. Sometimes a plant reacts in a similar way when it lacks moisture. You should adjust the watering of the succulent.
• plant wilting. It may be the result of many factors, ranging from the effects of insects, ending with a banal draft.

Euphorbia is amazing plant, the species diversity of which will allow you to decorate any room with perennials, whether it's an office in business style, a cozy living room in a private house or a high-tech bedroom in a city apartment.