Have you ever add up across a works that made you do a double take ? Well , get quick to converge the ultimate botanical hoaxer – Euphorbia xylophylloides ! This far-out shrub will have you question everything you cogitate you screw about cacti . With its cactus - comparable appearing , it ’s like a passkey of disguise in the plant earthly concern . But do n’t be fooled by its thorny character – this leafless curiosity is actually a member of the Euphorbiaceae category . blab out about an individuality crisis !
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About Euphorbia xylophylloides
directly from the jumpy , semi - arid landscape painting of Madagascar comes the ultimate botanic chameleon – Euphorbia xylophylloides ! This cactoid genus Euphorbia ( works patois for “ look like a cactus , but surprisal , it ’s not ! ” ) initiate off growing upright but as it mature , it sprawl laterally , shape a massive , irregularly branching bush or even a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - similar structure . And we ’re not talking small fry here – this works can reach stupefying heights of up to 66 feet with a broad , woody base and crest !
But the real stopper ? or else of traditional leaves , Euphorbia xylophylloides flaunts heavy , flat , typewriter ribbon - similar shoots that carry an uncanny resemblance to the darling Christmas Cactus . These xanthous - green , slightly waxy “ platyclades ” ( fancy plant terminal figure for flat root ) uprise up to 2 feet foresightful and are edged with the slightest suggestion of teeth , almost as if they ’re endeavor to keep up their prickly cactus camouflage .
As if that was n’t enough razzle - dazzle , this plant also produces tiny , ephemeral leaves on new growth that quickly fall off , exit the platyclades to steal the show . And let ’s not forget the hairy , unisexual yellow bloom clustered at the branch tips – while inconspicuous , they add a ghost of arbitrariness to this botanical oddity .
tie in Post:200 Types of Euphorbia With Pictures
Euphorbia xylophylloides Care Guide
Now that you have sex what a plant rock star Euphorbia xylophylloides is , have ’s plunge into how to keep this cactus impersonator thriving :
Light
This sun - worshipper craves at least6 hoursof direct light beam daily . Indoors , a gay south - facing window or ahigh - character grow lightwill keep it savour in stilted resplendence .
Water
During its active turn time of year from springtime to diminish , keep the top 2 inch of soil moist but never soggy – unremarkably about once a workweek . amount winter , it enters quiescency , socut back on wateringand only give it a sip when it lead off to look athirst ( around once a calendar month ) .
Soil
Like most succulent , Euphorbia xylophylloides prefers a well - draining soil mix . Acommercial succulent blendor a concoction of potting soil , Baroness Dudevant , and perlite will keep its roots happy and prevent any waterlogging woes .
Fertilizer
A littlenutrient boostgoes a long way for this industrial plant . During the growing season , treat it to a dilute swimming fertilizer explicate for cacti / succulent or a sprinkle of organic compost . But slowly on the banquet – too many nutrients can lead to an overdose .
Temperature and Humidity
quick and dry is the name of the plot here . Daytime temps of 70 - 80 ° F and nights around 55 - 65 ° F will have it feeling decent at abode . As forhumidity , it ’s adaptable – it can wind with ironic indoor air or more humid out-of-door conditions .
Pests and Problems
Keep a watchful heart out for spider mites and mealy bug trying to limp a ride . These pests are criminals in the works world , so act fast if you spot anyunwanted visitorsto nip an plague in the bud .
Pruning
low-down - alimony is this plant ’s halfway name when it arrive to pruning . just clip off any bushed or damaged stem turn as needed to keep it looking its best .
Potting and Repotting
If you ’re grow your prickly pal in a container , choose one with ample drainage hole to forestall waterlogged roots . Terra cotta and unglazed ceramic are gravid options that allow the soil to breathe . As for size , opt for a potjust an inch or two wider than the industrial plant ’s base to invalidate excess land ride out blind drunk .
Repot every 2 - 3 yr in other spring , impress to a container just a size up to give those root way to spread out . Handle the plant softly during repot to avoid damaging the subdivision . Top off with smart , well - run out succulent grime , and you ’re all dress !
Euphorbia xylophylloides Propagation Guide
Ready to multiply your Euphorbia USA ? This plant gives you two road for propagation – seeds or stem cuttings .
If you prefer for seeds , warp up for a patience - examination dangerous undertaking . Mix some commercial ejaculate - starting mixing with an adequate amount of coarse sand to create a well - draining metier . Sow the seeds , keep them nice and warm , and … wait . With a fleck of luck ( and peradventure some encouraging pep talks ) , you could see Modern growth sprout in a few week . But more realistically , wait it to take anywhere from 2 - 6 calendar month before those unregenerate seeds decide to wake up .
The promiscuous path ? prow cutting ! Here ’s how to embark on this botanic cloning journey :
With a little TLC ( and maybe some proficient luck charms ) , you ’ll have duplicate your Euphorbia xylophylloides population in no time ! Propagation is a playfulness , rewarding process that get you portion out the quirky cactus beloved .
