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Euphorbia flower is a decorative deciduous culture which is grown in standard form and is used for landscaping rooms and halls. Home spurge is distinguished by its unpretentiousness to growing conditions. In this regard, indoor euphorbia can be grown at any light level and decorate them with rooms with an insufficient level of penetration. sun rays. Numerous photos of milkweed are also offered, among them you will find various varieties and views.

The genus Euphorbia belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, it is represented by annual and perennial, semi-shrubs and undersized trees. Euphorbia plant is common in tropical, subtropical regions and in the temperate zone. the globe. We hope that short description milkweed will let you make up about it general idea and make the right choice.

The name is given in honor of the doctor Euphorbus, who served Yuba II, the king of Mauritania (I century BC). This doctor is a big connoisseur medicinal herbs and all sorts of drugs - he often used the poisonous juice of milkweed, curing the king's friends and saving him from enemies. The word "euphorbia" in translation into Russian means "euphorbia". The juice that stands out from the stems and leaves when they are damaged is white as milk, which determines the Russian name.

Euphorbia indoor flower: types

Indoor spurge flower is a community of hybrid and natural varieties that differ from each other in leaf shape, color and some agrotechnical characteristics. We invite you to find out which types of milkweed can be used for growing at home.

Euphorbia Mila

Euphorbia Mila (Euphorbia millii)- xerophytic thorny shrub. The leaves are elongated, about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.

Flowers with brightly colored bracts. It has many varieties, the most famous is var. splendens Ursch et Leandri, in which the stems are densely covered with gray-black spines up to 2 cm long, and the leaves reach a length of 8 cm and a width of 2.5 cm. It blooms from early spring to late autumn. Bracts are coral red.

Euphorbia resinous

Euphorbia resinous (Euphorbia resinifera)- a highly branched shrub up to 1 m high, forms a dense turf with age. Stems are tetrahedral, bluish-green. On sharp edges, paired dark brown spines up to 5 mm long. Leaves are reduced to scales. Numerous yellow-green inflorescences are located on the tops of the shoots.

Euphorbia tirucalli

Euphorbia tirucalli (Euphorbia tirucalli)- a plant with cylindrical smooth bright green branches 5-7 mm thick. Linear falling leaves 6-12 mm long, 1-1.5 mm wide; on the branches, traces of leaves remain in the form of dots.

Euphorbia triangular

Euphorbia triangular (Euphorbia trigona) — large plant 2-3 m high. Trunk with three ribs and dissected dark green stems with whitish strokes. The leaves are fleshy, 3-5 cm long. The thorns are red-brown, 0.5 cm long.

Euphorbia ribbed

Euphorbia ribbed (Euphorbia lophogona) has a ribbed green stem, in the upper part of which large oval leaves are located on long petioles. As the stem grows, the old leaves fall off, and the young ones grow only at the top. It blooms inconspicuously, sets seeds, and scatters them after ripening. Seeds have good germination. Propagated only by seeds.

Euphorbia

Euphorbia volodushkolistny, or hare ears (Euphorbia bupleurifolia), is a rare species in culture. Stems reaching a height of 20 cm and 4-7 cm in diameter, with numerous spiral tubercles 2-3 mm high. Lanceolate-spatulate leaves 5-7 cm long appear at the top of the plant, then fall off. During the winter dormant period, the plant is not watered. Propagated only by seeds.

spurge white-veined

spurge white-veined (Euphorbia leuconeura)- one of the most popular species among flower growers - has a juicy, ribbed, usually unbranched stem 40-60 cm high. The four-five-ribbed stem thin at the bottom thickens towards the top. The ribs are densely covered with yellowish scales and appear fringed. At the top, numerous elongated-oval leaves are formed with clear light veins, especially on the underside. Lateral veins depart at right angles from the central one. The plant blooms quite often in the room, gives abundant self-seeding.

Euphorbia largehorn

Euphorbia largehorn (Euphorbia grandicornis)- a plant with a thick fleshy and ribbed (triangular) stem, grows up to 2 m. The ribbed part of the stem is wavy, deep cuts divide the stem into segments. Along the edge of the rib is a hard keratinized layer gray color. On the ribs there are large (7 cm) paired spines, at the base of which there are small spines. Reduced small leaves quickly fall off. The ribs give the plant a very decorative look and resemblance to cacti. The flowers are small yellow in color, collected in corymbose inflorescences.

Euphorbia globular

Euphorbia globular (Euphorbia globosa)- dwarf plant up to 8 cm high, without thorns. The branches coming from the base are made up of bizarre spherical segments. Forms thick cushions up to 30 cm in diameter. The branches are spherical or cylindrical, about 2.5 cm in diameter, segmented, with flat, barely protruding tubercles.

Euphorbia milky white, or milky (Euphorbia lactea), - succulent or. The branches are three-four-ribbed, 3-4 cm in diameter, dark green with cloudy milky-white stripes on the ribs. Edges notched tuberculate. Two chestnut-brown spines 0.5 cm long are 1.5-2.5 cm apart. The leaves are rudimentary (have not reached final development), quickly dry out.

Euphorbia multithorn (Euphorbia polyacantha)- succulent low abundantly branching shrub. Gray-green erect four-five-ribbed branches with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm are shallowly divided into segments of annual growth. The ribs on older specimens are flat and indistinct. Edges of ribs with brown, later with gray stratum corneum. Two black spines 5-8 mm long are located at a distance of 0.5 cm from each other. Leaves are rudimentary.

Euphorbia papillary (Euphorbia mammillaris)- a plant about 20 cm high with numerous lateral branches. Almost cylindrical branches with a diameter of 4-6 cm with low ribs 7-17 are divided into hexagonal tubercles. Leaves 5-6 mm long. Gray single spines 6-10 mm long.

Euphorbia comb-rib

Euphorbia comb-rib (Euphorbia lophogona)- succulent-stem shrub, reaching a height of 50 cm. The trunk and branches are four-five-ribbed, more thickened at the top. The edges of the ribs are covered with fringed stipules. Emerald green with white veins leaves 10-20 cm long and 5 cm wide are located on a long red petiole. Cyathias (tiny inflorescences of reduced, surrounded by bracts) are apical, on a peduncle 4-5 cm long, have white or red bracts.

Euphorbia "Head of Medusa" (Euphorbia caput-medusae)- a weakly growing plant that reaches a height of 30-60 cm. Intertwined long snake-like shoots grow from a short lignified part of the stem. At the ends of the stems are short scale-like leaves. small flowers pale yellow color appear at the tops of the stems.

Growing conditions

For plants allocate a bright place throughout the year. Keep at a temperature of 20-26°C in summer, 12-17°C in winter, but not below 10°C.

Take out in summer Fresh air, in winter contain at room temperature. In a cool place, plants hibernate only with sufficient light and high temperature soil (next to the heater).

Milkweed care at home

The main care for milkweed at home is the organization proper watering: water moderately in summer, limited in winter. Plants tolerate dry indoor air well. Euphorbia Mila is occasionally sprayed in spring and summer. Feed from spring to autumn once a month with fertilizers for cacti. Plants are transplanted in the spring once every two years. The soil mixture should be loose, nutritious, slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). It is prepared from soddy, leafy soil, peat and sand (3: 2: 2: 2) with a small addition of fine brick chips. For high species, such as spurge triangular and spurge tirucalli, take a tall heavy pot. For stunted ones (spurge spherical, spurge "Head of Medusa"), low and wide pots are suitable.

Euphorbia reproduction

Euphorbia reproduction can be carried out in such ways as cuttings and grafting, a number of varieties propagate by self-sowing after flowering. Cuttings are carried out in July. Cuttings are planted in a mixture of sand with peat, sand with perlite, taken in equal amounts, or in clean sand. Having cut off the stalk, let the milky juice drain, sprinkle the cut charcoal and dry for two or three days.

Vaccinations are also carried out in the hot season. Some types of euphorbia are used as a stock:

Euphorbia resinous (Euphorbia resinifera).

Euphorbia papillary (Euphorbia mammillaris).

Diseases and pests

Most often, plants are damaged by the whitefly, spider mite, aphids, scale insects. Perhaps the development of gray rot.

Euphorbia has a huge species diversity. Its genus includes annuals and perennial herbs, bushes and trees. The appearance of plants is very diverse. Their height varies from a few centimeters to two meters. Straight ascending stems come with and without thorns. What unites everything and plants is the milky juice that stands out from the incisions. Euphorbia lives in tropical countries- in Africa and Asia, in the Mediterranean and America, as well as in the south of Russia.

The most common types and varieties of plants with photos

The Euphorbiaceae family, according to various sources, has from 800 to 2000 species. Few grow only outdoors. But for the most part, spurge develops well and as indoor flower. Let's get acquainted with the most interesting representatives of this family:

• spurge bordered- an annual plant reaching a height of 70 cm. Under natural conditions, it spreads on the slopes of the mountains, forming dense thickets. It owes its name to a light border on large light green leaves;
• spurge white-veined (white-veined)- a common indoor culture. In nature, it grows up to 1.5 m. It has a thick ribbed trunk. Long dark green oval leaves with white veins are updated in the upper part of the trunk, and the lower ones die off over time. Dissolves small inconspicuous flowers;
• spurge multiflora- garden perennial. Plant height averages 70 cm. The bush has a hemispherical shape. The stem is strewn with dense bright green foliage of an elongated oval shape. Dissolves greenish-yellow flowers in early May;
• spurge triangular (triangular)- perennial, growing up to 3 m in room conditions. It has a characteristic fleshy trihedral stem 5-6 cm wide. Serrated ribs are covered with oval leaves and spines. Blooms rarely, propagated mainly by cuttings;
• spurge comb – evergreen shrub with a thick ribbed stem. The leaves are oval elongated, about 20 cm long, on a red-brown root, collected at the top of the plant. Dissolves white and pink flowers on a small peduncle;
• spurge mile Also called the crown of thorns. thorn bush with bright green thin elliptical leaves. The flowers are small, white, milky, yellow colors.

Is spurge related to cacti?

Often, amateur flower growers call some types of milkweed cacti. This is due to the great external similarity. However, the euphorbia family, or euphorbia, is not botanically related to cacti, and it is incorrect to call them that.

How to care for milkweed at home

Euphorbia does not like drafts and too wet soil

The florist fell in love with Euphorbia not only for its unusual decorative appearance, but also for the ease of caring for it at home. This plant is unpretentious to the conditions of detention. But it must be protected from drafts and avoid too wet soil.

Plant transplant after purchase

The general rule for transplanting plants is to choose the right time of year. For milkweed, it's spring. If a flower appeared in your house in another season, transplantation is carried out only if it was purchased in a transport container. In this case, it is better to immediately transplant it into a pot with suitable soil and drainage.

Soil for milkweed

The substrate for milkweed should be loose, permeable. If there was no special soil for succulent plants, suitable soil for cacti. The mixture can be prepared independently. For this you will need:

• leaf earth, humus, sand in proportions 2:3:2;
• turf, sand, turf in equal proportions.

At the bottom of the pot must be laid drainage layer from pebbles or expanded clay.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Used for feeding potash fertilizers

Euphorbia is fed during the growing season - in spring and summer once a month after watering. For flowering plants use potassium fertilizers. AT autumn-winter period feed is not applied.

Watering the plant

The soil should be moistened according to the following scheme:

• watered once a week in summer;
• in winter, watering is reduced to once a month;
• at temperatures below + 12 ° C, watering is stopped.

Overdried soil begins to be moistened gradually with small portions of water. On hot days, the plant is sprayed.

Optimal temperature for a houseplant

Some species can withstand temperature regime+4…+6°С. In such conditions, the flower is kept in a well-lit place.

Lighting

Most species are sun-loving and respond well to direct sunlight. Some prefer diffused light. Among them are poinsettia, the most beautiful spurge.

Euphorbia can also grow in the shade. But at the same time, the leaves lose their brightness and contrast. Variegated species in such conditions may lose their unusual color.

Euphorbia pruning

Anti-aging pruning is performed in the middle of summer after flowering:

• remove dried stems;
• shorten the elongated shoots;
• at flowering species leave young shoots that will bloom the next year.

Formative pruning is not only about crown correction. If you want spurge to grow in a dense bush, cut off all shoots at the end of winter. There will be no flowering in the year of pruning, but in the future it will double.

Euphorbia reproduces in three ways

Euphorbia can be propagated at home in three different ways:

• seed;
• cuttings;
• dividing the bush.

The vegetative method of reproduction of milkweed is the most accessible and simple when planting and caring for a plant. Ball-shaped forms are grown from seeds that do not propagate by cuttings. Some species propagate by root processes, for example, garden spurge.

How to grow euphorbia from seeds

Seeds can be collected by yourself. To do this, the pods are isolated with a cloth bag so that the ripened seeds do not crumble from the opened box. They can be stored in a paper envelope for no more than a year. But it is better to sow fresh seeds.

The substrate for germination is prepared from a mixture of peat and sand. The soil is pre-calcined in the oven for disinfection. Seeds are soaked in water for a day and then buried wet in the ground. Crops cover plastic wrap and leave in a warm place.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagate euphorbia cuttings, better in the autumn

Propagation by cuttings is carried out by shoots or leaves of the plant. This procedure is performed in the fall.

For propagation by escape:

• cut off a process about 10 cm long from under the leaf node;
• remove the lower leaves;
• dipped in water to wash away the secreted juice;
• the cut is wiped and treated with crushed charcoal;
• dried cuttings are planted in wet sand.

Before rooting planting material kept under a transparent cap. The soil is kept moist. Direct sunlight during this period is undesirable.

For propagation by cuttings of leaves use protective gloves:

• pinch off a leaf with a cutting;
• the milky juice is allowed to drain;
• the cut is treated with a stimulant;
• planted in moist soil;
• covered with transparent film.

Care consists of daily airing and regular watering.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

The division of the bush is performed when the plant is at rest. The plant is taken out of the pot and the rhizome is divided into several parts. Inspect the planting material - it should not remain rotting areas. These are removed to healthy tissue. Ready delenki are seated in separate pots.

Diseases and pests of milkweed, treatment and care of the plant

This happens due to waterlogging. To save the plant, it is necessary to transplant it into a new soil for cacti, removing rotten roots and remnants of the earth before that.

Improper care leads to disease and loss of the decorative appearance of the plant. If the leaves turn yellow and fall off, there are signs of rotting of the stem and roots, the reason may lie in improper watering, lack of light or nutrients, temperature fluctuations and drafts. Black and brown spots talking about fungal disease. To combat it, the flower is sprayed with fungicides.

Euphorbia is known for its healing properties. With it, you can cure fungal skin lesions, get rid of warts, eczema, lichen. A tincture of crushed herbs is used as baths.

The roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine with stomach disorders. Raw materials are boiled and consumed 1 tablespoon before meals. This remedy also helps to cope with liver ailments. In the treatment of cystitis, frequent headaches, alcohol tincture is used.

Despite their useful qualities, milkweed can be dangerous. Therefore, having got him at home, one cannot neglect some rules of neighborhood with him.

Room euphorbia can harm

The milky juice that is released from the plant when cut is very toxic. Its venom can cause poisoning, irritation and burns on contact with skin or mucous membranes. Therefore, spurge should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Care for the plant, pruning and transplanting should be done with protective gloves. If the juice gets on an unprotected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, this place must immediately be washed with water.

See also the video on how to trim the trihedral spurge.

Euphorbia is decorative deciduous plant used for landscaping and garden plots. The plant got its name because of the milky juice it contains. Otherwise, this plant is called - euphorbia. Euphorbia is unpretentious, does not require special care and for several years does not need a transplant.

Euphorbia is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. This is with fragile and succulent leaves and stems in which moisture accumulates.

The milky juice, which is contained in the leaf plate and stem, with minor damage to the plant, is released to the surface, thereby providing protection against various pests. The juice contains substances such as sterol, rubber, amino acids, essential oils, resin, sugar.

Some substances are poisonous and can cause burns and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Therefore, when working with milkweed, it is recommended to use gloves.

Euphorbia grows in the form of shrubs, trees. In their appearance, they resemble. Euphorbia is distributed in tropical and subtropical areas.

Representatives of the genus Euphorbia have leaves of various shapes: narrow, oval, ovate, serrated, entire, and arranged oppositely. Some succulent species have rudimentary, stipuled leaves that resemble spikes or hairs.

The genus Euphorbia is characterized by a special type of cymoid inflorescence called cyathium. The inflorescence of the plant consists of several male stamens and one pistillate flower. Each of the groups of flowers is surrounded by two bracts that have a different color. Flowers usually appear in June or July, and some species delight with their flowering even in September.

Some types of plants are dioecious: only female or male flowers can be located on one plant.

Varieties of garden milkweed and their characteristics

The Euphorbia family includes about 2000 plant species.

This is exotic plant very fond of not only flower growers, but also. Euphorbia will help decorate any garden plot and arrange it in various interesting and original styles.

The most common types of milkweed in gardeners:

• Euphorbia multicolor. This is a low perennial plant, which reaches a length of 70 cm. Of all the species, it is the most unpretentious and frost-resistant. The plant begins to bloom in May and continues until the end of July. During this period, the leaves acquire a beautiful light green hue, and then become light yellow.

• Euphorbia bordered. annual plant, which reaches a height of 70-80 cm. The leaves are tear-shaped along the edges with a border. White flowers and original form give to the plant.

• Euphorbia cypress. A perennial plant, whose height is 50 cm. The stem of the bush is covered with thin leaves, which in their appearance resemble needles coniferous trees. Euphorbia flowers are fragrant, yellow with a purple tint. Cypress spurge is not afraid of drought and can withstand low temperature up to -20 degrees.

• Euphorbia almond. Belongs to the category of perennial plants. The stem reaches a height of 20 to 100 cm. The flowers are unusual yellow-green. Usually this type of plant begins to bloom in April. Almond-shaped spurge does not withstand too low temperatures, loves sunny and cool weather.

• Euphorbia myrtle. Perennial low plant up to 25 cm high. The leaves are dense gray-blue. Inflorescences yellowish.

• Euphorbia is diverse. A semi-shrub plant up to 90 cm high is a perennial, but is grown as an annual. In heterogeneous milkweed, the upper leaves turn red during the flowering period. The plant is unpretentious to weather conditions.

• Euphorbia capitate. It is no more than 10 cm long, grows small. The stems of the plant are recumbent. This aggressive perennial plant is able to crowd out other flowers. Euphorbia flowers are yellow or orange in color.

• Euphorbia is stone-loving. Perennial herbaceous plant. The stem is reddish at the base. Fallen leaves leave small scars. In the upper part of the plant, the leaves are lanceolate in shape with small teeth along the edges. At the top of the milkweed, the inflorescences are collected in groups and wrapped in burgundy leaves. It can grow up to 20 cm in height.

Euphorbia species are popular due to their unusual and original appearance.

Types of indoor milkweed and their features

Euphorbia can be grown not only in personal plots. It also develops well at home. There are many varieties of indoor milkweed.

Most often on the windowsills you can find the following room types:

Each grower can choose any type and shape of the plant. The main thing is to properly plant and care for milkweed.

Cultivation and reproduction of milkweed

Garden spurge grows well in lighted and slightly shaded areas. The soil for the plant should be chosen fertile, slightly and with a drainage layer.

Euphorbia can be propagated by cuttings.

Reproduction of milkweed is carried out in two ways: cuttings or using seeds. The soil should be mulched with sawdust or humus.

Reproduction by seeds. It is best to prepare seedlings in advance, then sowing seeds should be done in March. Before sowing, they must be soaked in warm water for two hours. During this time, it is necessary to prepare special containers where sowing will be carried out. It is recommended to use plastic cups and sow the seeds one at a time.

First, make a small hole in the bottom of the glass to drain excess water. Next, fill the cup with soil mixture, moisten well and sow. Strongly deepen should not be sprinkled on top with vermiculite or loose soil. After sowing, cover the container with foil and put in a cool room. Periodically, the soil should be moistened and not allowed to dry out.

Then move to a warmer room, where the temperature will be 20 degrees. Germination is slow and can take from 2-3 weeks to several months. After frost has passed, the seedlings are placed in open ground. The distance from each other should be about 35 cm.

2 weeks before planting in open ground, take the seedlings to fresh air so that the plants adapt to changing climatic conditions. Also, do not forget about picking.

Many species of milkweed reproduce on their own by self-seeding. In order for reproduction to occur naturally, it is necessary to plant female and male bushes nearby. You can determine where male or female is during flowering. If the flowers have large pistils of a narrow and long shape, then these are male flowers. female flowers are distinguished by numerous broad stamens.

Cuttings. Reproduction is carried out as follows: late spring or in early June, cuttings 10-15 cm in size are cut from young shoots. Inflorescences and lower leaves should be removed.

The milky juice that appeared at the site of the cuts should be washed off warm water. This is done so that the plant does not rot. This procedure should be performed with special gloves, as milkweed juice is poisonous. Next, sprinkle the cuts with crushed activated charcoal and put in a dry, warm place to dry for 1-2 days.

During this time, it is necessary to prepare containers or boxes for rooting the plant. Pour a layer at the bottom of the container, then top with a soil mixture: leafy soil, sand and peat. All components must be in equal quantity. You can also add crushed charcoal.

After rooting, the plant can be planted in open ground.

Growing euphorbia is quite simple, even a novice grower can handle this technology.

How to properly care for milkweed

Euphorbia tolerates drought well, but if the summer is very hot and dry, then the plant must be watered regularly. In winter, watering should be moderate: it is important not to overmoisten the soil.

When placing milkweed, direct sunlight should be avoided. Some types of milkweed need to be sprayed. It is recommended to feed the plant once a month, from spring to autumn. For this purpose, you can use for cacti or complex mineral fertilizer. Repotting should be done every two years.

The optimal temperature for growth is considered to be 22-25 degrees. AT winter time during the dormant period, the temperature should be about 16 degrees.

If the leaves of the plant become pale and begin to gradually fall off, then this indicates a lack of lighting. The cause of yellow and dry leaves is a lack of moisture. In this case, the spurge must be watered and ensure that the soil is not overdried. Abundant milkweed can lead to uneven staining of the leaves.
Yellow leaves can also indicate dry indoor air.

Due to sudden changes in temperature or drafts, the plants begin to wither and shed their leaves.

Euphorbia can protect itself with the help of milky juice

The juice that comes to the surface with minor damage to the plant has a detrimental effect on pests. But milkweed is not always able to protect itself. When the plant is affected, yellowish and white spots appear on the leaves. If the plant is attacked by aphids, then the spurge stops growing and developing. If the plant slows down growth, the leaves have lost their decorative appearance, this indicates damage to the root system by the mealy worm.

Flower shops have wide selection pest control products. They should be used according to the instructions.

When decorating personal plot or a corner of the garden spurge can be combined with various plants. Euphorbia looks good with cosmea, zinnia or rudbeckia.

When watching the video, you can learn how to root spurge.

Probably, everyone at least once in their life dreamed of acquiring a flower that can be placed on the windowsill, and then only occasionally watered, without wasting time on regular pruning, frequent feeding and spraying. For those who are not a fan of indoor floriculture, but want to keep unpretentious in the house living plant, euphorbia is ideal. Even those who have never grown flowers can take care of milkweed at home and will serve as a great start for a beginner.

Features of care for milkweed at home

In the wild, the plant is common in the hot tropics of Asia, Africa and South America. The Euphorbiaceae family has at least 7000 species, among which there can be both herbaceous plants, and mighty trees, shrubs. In indoor floriculture, the most popular euphorbia is ribbed, white-veined, large-horned and chic - “jellyfish head”.

Lighting

All euphorbias love to bask in the sun, with little or no fear of getting burned, they can be placed on window sills overlooking south side. However, it is recommended to shade the plant during the midday heat. The lack of lighting will affect decorative coloring leaves, so throughout the year it is desirable to provide daylight hours of at least 12 hours.

Air temperature

Growing euphorbia, caring for it will not seem difficult for the reason that the temperature regime at which it feels comfortable allows it to be kept in every home, regardless of the time of year:

• in summer - from +20 °C to +26 °C,
• in winter - from +15 °C to +18 °C,
• critically low - + 12 °C.

Some varieties can tolerate a short-term drop in air temperature down to +5 ° C, but dry air and additional heating of the soil must be a prerequisite.

Air humidity

To the delight of amateur growers, an increased level of humidity is not required, which greatly facilitates the care of milkweed at home. It is recommended to spray the flower only in especially hot weather. summer days. Species with large, broad leaves can be wiped with a cotton pad or sponge soaked in water to remove dust particles.

Watering milkweed

The soil should not be too wet, it is enough to water the plant once every 3-4 days, and then give the top layer earthy coma dry out a little. In winter, especially at low air temperatures and a large pot, spurge can be watered once every 15-20 days.

If it turned out that the flower was without watering for a long time and the substrate was very dry, there is no need to rush to generously water the plant. Moisturizing the earthy coma should be gradual, first pour it with a small amount of water, and repeat the procedure after a few hours.

Soil composition and pot selection for growing milkweed

To grow strong spurge, home care should provide him with constant nutrition, so instead of frequent top dressing, it is better to prepare a quality substrate yourself. The soil should be loose, with a neutral pH of 6.5.

Components:

• sod land - 1.5 parts,
• leaf ground - 1 part,
• fibrous peat substrate - 1 part,
• medium-grained sand - 1 part.

If it is not possible to prepare the mixture yourself, you can buy soil for cacti and succulent species.

The roots of the plant must constantly "breathe", so the drainage has great importance, any material is suitable for this: crushed foam and pebbles, chipped brick.

The shape of the pot for planting depends on the variety of milkweed. So, specimens that prefer to grow vertically, as a rule, have a long main root, so it is better to choose an elongated pot. Bushy plants, such as the "jellyfish head", grow on the substrate to the sides, so they will feel more comfortable in wide planters or flowerpots.

Fertilization

If during spring care for milkweed, it is systematically transplanted into a new nutrient substrate, then there is no need for additional feeding. But when only transshipment is done, without replacing the soil, the flower needs to be “feeded” monthly with complex mineral fertilizers for succulent plants. Starting from autumn, the procedure should be carried out less and less, choosing the most sunny and warm days, so the flower absorbs trace elements better. From December to March, fertilizing is not necessary.

Planting and transplanting milkweed

Euphorbia should be planted in mid-spring. If it is necessary to completely replace the substrate, then the roots should be carefully cleaned of the earthen mixture, to see if the roots are rotten or damaged by pests. Then put drainage in the pot, some soil and place the plant in the center, evenly distribute the remaining mixture around the bush and tamp. After planting, spurge should be watered a little and kept in a shady place for 1-2 days so that the plant takes root well. When the transshipment method is used, it is enough to replace the drainage and, if desired, upper layer substrate.

Features of reproduction of milkweed

The most common breeding methods:

• planting seeds,
• growing cuttings.

At good care at home, spurge is able to reproduce by self-sowing, especially if the pot is wide enough and the plant is regularly watered. Small sprouts begin to hatch quite quickly, as soon as the first 3-4 leaves appear, they must be carefully dug up and planted in a separate container.

It is better to cut the stalk in the middle of summer, its size should be at least 7 cm. It is advisable to remove the lower leaves, gently wipe the juice with a rag, rinse under the tap, and then “wilt” the cut, leaving the plant for 30–40 hours on a dry surface. To prevent infection, sections should be treated with crushed charcoal.

Next, place the cutting in a substrate consisting of peat and sand in equal proportions, and cover with a plastic bag or glass jar. Until the euphorbia has taken root, the substrate must be kept moist, the stalk should be shaded from the sun and the “greenhouse” should be ventilated.

Diseases and pests of milkweed

When growing milkweed, the grower may encounter a fungal disease - gray rot , and pests such as aphids and mealybugs.

Gray rot can quickly destroy a plant, therefore, as soon as a grayish “fluff” on the leaves has been found, spurge should be urgently isolated from other plants and a course of spraying with fungicides should be started.

With good care for milkweed, pests rarely attack, but if small green or dark insects are seen on the stems and leaves, then the flower has become a victim of aphids. To combat it, you can use spraying with infusion of garlic or modern insecticides. mealybug it is difficult to see, but a whitish coating on the leaves testifies to it. The worm can be washed off with a soapy or alcohol solution, and then a course of treatment with Fitoverm can be carried out.

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Poisonous houseplants: why is indoor spurge dangerous?

Euphorbia indoor poisonous than dangerous, everyone knows experienced growers. Euphorbia belongs to the herbaceous species. It is a perennial with a very developed root system. Now more than 2000 species of milkweed have been studied. They grow wild. Many of them are domesticated, and all species are completely different from each other. However, all varieties are united by one important similarity: a lot of juice is released in the roots and stem, which is very poisonous and can be fatal. The juice is similar in color to milk, hence the name.

Euphorbia is a perennial plant with more than 2000 varieties. Euphorbia juice is poisonous.

By the way, among domestic varieties there are those that simply cannot be distinguished from cacti. Such varieties grow wild in deserts or other arid regions. At home, a triangular, ribbed, white-veined variety, Euphorbia Mil, Pallas and others are bred.

Harm from milkweed

Euphorbia has such a name because of the milky juice that appears on the root or stem when they are damaged. This juice is extremely poisonous. The plant itself is very beautiful and has a wide variety of species. However, the room option will be unsafe for the tenants of the premises, especially if children or pets live in the apartment. Burns that remain after milky juice heal for a very long time.

The fluid corrodes the tissues of the body. As a result, the wounds will resemble ulcers that will stay on the skin for a long time. If the juice of a dangerous plant gets into your eyes, it will cause inflammation.

If milkweed juice gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately.

Eyes must be rinsed as soon as possible. There are cases where the juice caused blindness, but it was temporary until the tissues were restored. The same applies to inflammatory processes on the mucous layers of the oral cavity, nose, lips. If you swallow this liquid, a person will not avoid indigestion.

Almost every person in the house has animals that often play pranks. By the way, children are also at risk, because. they play pranks a lot and may stumble upon this dangerous plant. It is better to keep it as high as possible so that family members cannot reach it. The juice in all parts of the flower is dangerous, so it is better not to grow such flowers in the house at all.

By the way, some people refer to the common dandelion, which is so common on all lawns, to the Euphorbiaceae family. This is due to the fact that white (sometimes transparent) juice also stands out from its parts. Actually this is a delusion. Dandelion juice always remains safe for humans and animals. But the juice of all types of euphorbia is actually very poisonous, and euphorbia is included in the rating of the ten most dangerous plants that are grown at home.

Why is milkweed so dangerous? This is due to the composition of its juice. It contains saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, bitter substances of the extractive type, toxic compounds, poisonous resins, and so on. The juice is in every part of the flower, and it circulates under pressure, so that as soon as the leaf, stem or root is broken, a whitish viscous liquid immediately splashes from the crack. Because of this, a person is guaranteed a burn.

If milkweed juice enters the stomach, indigestion will occur.

Juice is dangerous not only if it gets on the skin, but also if swallowed. If the dose is too large, a person may develop not only an upset stomach, but also clouding of reason. In ancient times, this dangerous liquid was classified as a poison and was called demonic milk. Although, for example, in ancient Egypt, euphorbia was used to treat various skin diseases (eczema, fungal infection, lichen, warts), it helped stop bleeding and relieve a person from pain in the head. But on the other hand, if the remedy is not used correctly or the dosage is not followed, it will cause the patient to become violent. In some cases, patients lost consciousness due to the fact that blood pressure changed dramatically. And the flower itself very often causes an allergic reaction.

Dangerous situations are when the plant needs to be transplanted. This should be done every 3 years when the pot gets too small. However, during this procedure, you can easily break off a leaf or even a twig, and juice will ooze from the crack. Affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes must be washed. It is best to carry out the transplant with gloves. If, nevertheless, a burn appears, then you need to rinse this place and apply ice. Additionally, you can take drugs with antihistamine properties.

As for contraindications in the treatment of milkweed-based products, they are forbidden to be used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as applied to the eyes, open wounds. It is necessary to monitor the dosage of medicines. Only a doctor has the right to prescribe them, self-medication is unacceptable.

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The use of milkweed in medicine

Pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of drugs based on milkweed.

Many poisonous and dangerous plants not only used as poisons, but also used for medicinal purposes.

This includes milkweed. Room euphorbia can be not only dangerous, but, on the contrary, very useful. Pallas spurge is most often used in medicine, because. it is considered one of the most "healing". It is popularly known as the "man-root", because it has a very thick root, which has healing properties. This variety is very common in Korea, Mongolia, China. Traditional healers use not only the root, but also the leaves, the juice of the plant. For example, the composition of the roots includes tannins, flavonoids, vitamin C, starch and various resins (their share is about 10%).

Euphorbia Pallas, which is also one of the most poisonous, is on the list of the most powerful in terms of healing properties plants. Euphorbia has a strong anti-cancer effect. Means based on this plant will help even patients who have formed an extensive cancerous tumor, to say nothing of preventive measures against cancer. Juice affects metastases and stops their growth, which is very important for patients with cancer.

In addition, milkweed products are used to treat not only cancer, but also other tumors or growths. The flower will help with ulcers and inflammatory processes in the lungs. In the most severe cases, euphorbia will help strengthen the immune system and the whole body in general, which increases resistance to all types of infections. By the way, Euphorbia Pallas is not in vain popularly called the male root. Even in ancient times, it was used to treat diseases of the genital organs of men.

In addition, despite the fact that burns can remain from raw juice, if ointments and tinctures are properly prepared, euphorbia is used to treat various skin diseases (including eczema). In medicine, they know about such cases when euphorbia had a positive effect on ulcers from cancer, which turned into purulent processes.

The same applies to the positive effect on sarcoma. A tea based on the stem and leaves is very helpful in stomach cancer. The tool has mild laxative properties. However, it is imperative to monitor the progress of the preparation of an infusion or decoction, otherwise the medicine can quickly turn into poison. An overdose can lead to vomiting and diarrhea along with blood, so without the permission of a doctor, it is forbidden to treat yourself with milkweed.