In indoor plant growing, there is such a flower as euphorbia, home care for which is quite unpretentious and consists mainly in proper watering and timely transplants. It most often looks like a small branched tree with a pentagonal trunk, in the upper part of which elongated leaves are located in bunches. The edges are covered with short villi. The lower parts of old plants are woody. This species is called indoor spurge.

Variety of species

In fact, the Euphorbia family includes many subspecies (several thousand), among which there are herbaceous plants, succulent shrubs and small trees. The most famous representative, due to its decorative effect, is the poinsettia or the Star of Bethlehem. The leaves of this plant are large and bright green. They are located under the inflorescences of a bright red or pinkish hue that appear in the winter before Catholic Christmas. This phenomenon was the reason for such a name.

Quite often, in indoor breeding, trihedral euphorbia is found, very similar to an overgrown cactus. The shoots of this plant in cross section are a triangle. To form a lush bush requires regular pinching.

Among the representatives of euphorbiaceae there are also specimens of industrial interest. Thus, spurge tirucalli, a perennial woody plant, is also called rubber-bearing, since rubber can be made from the milky juice of this plant. In addition, there is evidence of successful attempts to produce oil from this raw material.

Euphorbia tirucalli is also of interest in ornamental crop production. It is an extremely branching tree-like succulent plant that can reach a height of 5-8 m. Its stems are smooth, cylindrical, with bright green branches. Since the leaves of this plant look like long sticks, the appearance of this type of milkweed is rather unusual: it looks like a bunch of green branches. At home, this representative of the tropical fauna blooms very rarely. Inflorescences inconspicuous, small, yellowish or white. Therefore, the main interest is that tirucalli spurge due to pruning is able to branch strongly. This feature allows you to form bushes and trees of various appearance from it.

Another popular ornamental variety is bordered spurge. This annual garden plant received its 2nd name - mountain snow due to the beautiful leaves that turn white during flowering.

Milky juice: poison or medicine?

All varieties of the euphorbia family are united by the presence of 1 property - the release of caustic milky juice when the stems or leaves are damaged. This liquid is extremely toxic and, if it comes into contact with the skin, can cause burns and allergic irritations, and if the juice is ingested, severe poisoning is possible. As a result, when keeping a representative of the euphorbia family at home, special care should be taken when caring for him.

The composition of the milky juice includes substances such as rubber, resins, euphorbon, amorphous gum, coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids. Therefore, individual parts of milkweed (juice, roots, leaves) are medicinal raw materials. They are used in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of medicines.

Long known medicinal properties milkweed: having learned that the juice of the plant has anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, analgesic effects, healers used it to treat long-term non-healing wounds, insect bites, and other skin diseases. Euphorbia root tincture was used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In modern society, the medicinal properties of milkweed are widely used in oriental alternative medicine: various warts, papillomas are removed with milky juice, leaf compresses are used to treat coughs, asthma, and rheumatic pains.

indoor breeding

Since it is quite simple to care for milkweed, representatives of this species occupy an important place in indoor floriculture. The rules for their maintenance are the same as for growing succulents.

So, spurge tirucalli, unpretentious as a cactus, is grown in large pots or tubs, because its branched root system requires space. An uncircumcised specimen can grow up to 6 m in height. Therefore, the grown plant must be pinched regularly, which will allow the formation of a crown of any configuration.

Euphorbia: how to care for a plant? As soil, you can use purchased soil for succulents, or a self-prepared soil mixture (turf with sand in a ratio of 1: 1). Since euphorbia does not tolerate excessive soil moisture, the plant requires high-quality drainage (sawdust, expanded clay, fine gravel, broken brick, crockery shards are suitable). For the same reason, watering should be carried out only after the earthen coma has completely dried. Euphorbia calmly tolerates drought, and in winter it needs a lower air temperature (+ 12-15 ° C). Ideal conditions in the cold season are + 5-8 ° C, without additional illumination and watering.

The care of poinsettia is somewhat different: since it blooms only in winter, up to this point the plant needs bright lighting. Usually, after flowering, the Star of Bethlehem is thrown away, since at home it is difficult to maintain the required + 15 ° C during the dormant period. Therefore, in early spring or early summer, poinsettias are pruned, and the resulting cuttings are rooted for propagation. This procedure promotes branching and the formation of a beautiful shrub from the mother plant.

All representatives of the Euphorbiaceae family are demanding on lighting in the summer. The best location for the pot with this plant will be the south window. The lack of light has a bad effect on euphorbia: its shoots are pulled up, woody, the leaves fall off, which leads to the loss of decorative properties.

In the warm season, it is advisable to take the container with the plant to the balcony or street, providing protection from rain and drafts.

To stimulate flowering, many species (thirukalli spurge, bordered, multicolor, cypress, etc.) need regular top dressing. For this purpose, you can use fertilizers for succulents or cacti. Top dressing should be carried out in the summer, no more than 1 time in 2 weeks. You can combine this procedure with spraying the leaves.

Euphorbia reproduction

To grow euphorbia, reproduction is easiest to carry out by cuttings. To do this, the upper shoots of the mother plant cut off in spring or early summer should be air-dried for a day. The milky juice that appears on the cut must be washed off with water. Then the cuttings must be rooted, for which they are planted in a well-moistened peat-sand mixture. Euphorbia shoots should be transplanted to a permanent place when new leaves appear on the cuttings. To create a lush composition, you can plant several plants in 1 pot.

Euphorbia also reproduces by children (root offspring), which are easily separated when transplanting an adult plant. Young specimens take root well in fresh soil and require transplantation once every 2-3 years.

Some species (euphorbia obese and white-veined) reproduce only by seeds. The resulting planting material should be sown in wide bowls with moistened peat-sand mixture for succulents. Small seeds are sprinkled with a thin layer of sand, covered with a film or a glass jar. At the same time, the soil should be regularly ventilated, preventing stagnation of moisture and drying out of the earth. The unpretentious white-veined spurge reproduces almost by self-sowing: the seeds are literally shot out of the ripened fruits. Therefore, young shoots of this plant can be found in nearby pots with other flowers.

Any amateur gardener can pick up his favorite sample in his collection among the many varieties of euphorbia. But you should remember the safety rules when caring for these plants: all work should be done with gloves, making sure that the milky juice does not get on the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, in order to avoid trouble, breeding such representatives of the flora is undesirable in rooms where there are small children and pets.

The heat-loving and drought-resistant plant is well adapted for growing at home. Indoor spurge is unpretentious in care, perfectly tolerates dry air during the heating season. The shoots of the culture contain poisonous milky juice, contact with which is dangerous for humans and pets. Careful handling of the flower allows you to avoid trouble and grow an ornamental plant without much hassle.

Origin and botanical description of the plant

Euphorbia (the biological name of the culture) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Represented by more than 800 varieties of herbs, shrubs and trees. About 160 species have become widespread on the territory of Russia. Some varieties of milkweed are described as cacti-like (due to the numerous spines on the fleshy shoots). Some varieties have soft, smooth leaves. The feature that unites the genus is the milky juice secreted when the shoots are damaged.

Euphorbia blooms annually in spring and summer. The original umbellate inflorescences do not have sepals. The coloration depends on the variety. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box with 3 "nuts". The root system is vertical, the stems are straight or ascending with weak branching.

Main varieties

A large family includes annual and perennial varieties of milkweed. Among them you can find succulents resembling a cactus, shrubs with large leaves, tree-like palms with fleshy leaves. In indoor floriculture, several types of milkweed are common.

1. - a shrub with densely intertwined trihedral branches covered with single spines. The leaves are shiny, smooth, grow up to 3 cm in length. Small inconspicuous flowers appear in the summer months. Euphorbia bracts give the plant an attractive appearance, the color of which depends on the illumination of the room.
2. - in shape resembles a room palm tree. The fleshy trunk of a gray-brown color is covered with scales of dead shoots. At the top, oppositely arranged leaves of a dark green color with white stripes of veins are collected.
3. - euphorbia with decorative shoots similar in structure to corals. The thin stems of the plant at a young age are green in color, produce small leaves that quickly fall off. In adulthood, the shoots turn dark gray, there is no foliage.
4. Akalifa (Foxtail)- low branched shrub with small oval leaves. Valued for the original flowers, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, brightly colored and fluffy structure reminiscent of the fluffy tail of a fox.
5. - a shrub with large stems that have several faces. The surface of the shoots is covered with numerous tubercles and double spines. AT room conditions reaches 1.5-2 m in height.
6. (Spurge Beautiful) - a shrub with thin, broken stems. Large pointed leaves grow up to 15 cm. Star-shaped red bracts adorn the houseplant during the winter months. One of the most popular decorative indoor flowers.
7. Multiflorous (Euphorbia Polychroma)- a plant with straight stems forming a neat ball. Grows up to 50 cm in height. The shrub is covered with dark green, oppositely arranged leaves. Decorative appearance of golden flowers is given by bright bracts of yellow, orange and green color.

Despite the large number of external differences, representatives of the Euphorbia family have similar requirements for growing conditions and care measures.

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Necessary conditions for growing

Indoor spurge flower is able to grow with minimal human intervention. In order for the plant to be distinguished by high decorative qualities, to have a healthy appearance and decorative shape, you should properly care for euphorbia in a pot.

Location and lighting

Most varieties of milkweed prefer bright sunlight throughout the year. It is advisable to place a bowl with a plant on a lighted windowsill. In the summer months, if possible, they take it out to the balcony, loggia or garden plot. The exception is varieties with large leaves, for them it is preferable to choose places with diffused light.

When choosing a place for euphorbia, it should be borne in mind that milky juice has toxic properties. Do not place indoor flower in the public domain for children and pets.

Air humidity

Euphorbia is a drought tolerant plant. Varieties related to succulents do not need an artificial increase in air humidity. Fleshy shoots accumulate enough moisture to maintain the life of the plant. Spraying the leaves leads to the appearance of rot and fungal diseases.

Soil Requirements

For the normal development of the root system and the ground part of the perennial, soil is important that meets the following characteristics:

• loose structure;
• neutral alkaline environment;
• breathability.

To ensure these conditions, the flower is planted in a special soil for succulents. It consists of river sand, sod land, special clay. At the bottom of the bowl, drainage must be organized. Loose soil provides roots with air access, protects against stagnant water. Garden soil, like potting soil, is not suitable for growing euphorbia.

Subtleties of care

Room euphorbia requires minimal effort. The main concern of the grower is to establish a suitable irrigation regime, maintain the nutritional composition of the soil and form plant shoots in a timely manner.

Need for watering

The soil in a bowl with a perennial plant should dry out completely between waterings by 1-2 cm. In warm weather, spurge should be watered about 1 time per week. Excess water must be drained from the pan to avoid root rot. With a decrease in air temperature, reduce the number of waterings to 2 times a month. You need to focus on the condition of the flower and the soil in the bowl.

If the earth is completely dry, it is advisable to resume watering gradually, since most of the suction roots die off during a drought. Gradual moistening with warm water helps to restore the functions of the root system.

top dressing

In room conditions, spurge grows well in moderately fertile soil. Top dressing is carried out only during the period of active growth of shoots. Organics and nitrogen fertilizers are not used for it.

Mostly beautifully flowering varieties are fed. For this, preparations for succulents are purchased in specialized stores. Apply strictly according to the instructions after watering. Euphorbia does not tolerate an excess of minerals.

Trimming and shaping

There are 2 types of houseplant pruning: sanitary and shaping. The need for crown adjustment is determined by the appearance of the flower. Gloves are worn before the procedure to avoid contact with poisonous juice. Euphorbia should be trimmed if:

• dried, damaged leaves and shoots appeared on the shrub;
• over the winter, the stems are strongly stretched;
• the bush forms few lateral shoots, ceases to bloom.

Circumcised spurge should be protected from direct sunlight and excess moisture for 5-7 days. It is impossible to subject the flowering shrub to the procedure.

Pests and diseases

Proper care of milkweed at home allows you to avoid problems with diseases. The most common mistake flower growers make is waterlogging the soil, especially during the dormant period. The indoor flower reacts by rotting the root system and the appearance of black spots on the stems and foliage. Root rot requires replanting the shrub after all affected areas have been removed.

Pests that pose a danger to indoor euphorbia are characteristic of most domestic plants:

• mealybug. It appears as a white coating on the shoots. Method of struggle - spraying with soapy water;
• scab. Leaves round brown spots on the leaves. Sick shoots are removed, the ground part is treated with an insecticide;
• aphids and spider mites. Young leaves curl, turn yellow and die. Pest control is carried out by spraying with a soapy or garlic solution.

In case of mass damage by insects or fungal diseases, euphorbia is transplanted into a new disinfected soil.

Reproduction methods

At home, reproduction of milkweed is carried out in several ways, which depend on the variety of perennial culture.

• by dividing the bush, the Mil variety is propagated. Dig up the plant, carefully wash the roots and divide into several parts. The milky juice is washed off, sprinkled with charcoal and transplanted into new bowls;
• cuttings can be species with leaves on dense cuttings. To do this, in the spring, a shoot 10-12 cm long is cut off, washed from sticky juice under running water and rooted in a substrate for succulents. To create an optimal microclimate, cover the container with the handle with a plastic bag;
• seed breeding is practiced for palm varieties. The collected seeds are soaked for 24 hours in water, planted in the ground from peat and sand. A container with seeds is placed in a warm place, covered with glass or film. After 2 months, when 2-3 leaves are formed, they are transplanted into separate bowls.

Caring for rooted plants involves maintaining soil moisture and temperature at 22-25 ° C. Young seedlings need good lighting.

Terms and technology of transplantation

Indoor spurge should be transplanted as the root system and the ground part of the shrub grow. The procedure is carried out in the spring, after new shoots have begun to grow. Young specimens need a new container once a year, older ones - once every 2 years.

Euphorbia should be transplanted into a pot 2-3 cm wider than the previous one in diameter. A healthy flower moves along with an earthy clod. If the roots of the plant are affected by rot, they are washed, the diseased part is cut off, treated with an antiseptic and placed in a new soil. Healing milkweed transplantation is carried out as needed, regardless of the time of year.

If it is required to plant an overgrown shrub in several new bowls, they try to separate the roots as accurately as possible, without the use of cutting objects. Places that have undergone separation are sprinkled with activated carbon or copper sulphate.

Euphorbia bought in the store is transplanted 2 weeks after purchase, as soon as the flower adapts to room conditions. Blooming specimens can be transplanted a little later, when new buds stop tying.

• spurge stop watering a week before transplantation;
• carefully freed from the transport soil;
• a layer of drainage is laid on the bottom of the bowl;
• on top of the substrate poured by a slide, the roots are straightened, sprinkled with earth, and the soil is lightly tamped.

The root neck after transplantation should be at the same level. Moisten the soil should be no earlier than 2 days.

Possible difficulties in growing

Mistakes in care affect appearance indoor milkweed. As a rule, problems are caused by improper watering and lack of lighting:

• rotting of the lower part of the stem, yellowing and falling of foliage indicates waterlogging of the soil;
• pale leaves, elongated shoots appear as a result of a lack of sunlight;
• dropping young leaves - a reaction to drafts and sudden changes in temperature;
• yellow-brown single spots on the shoots are caused by sunburn;
• dry tips of leaves, loss of turgor appear due to watering with cold, hard water.

In general, growing different varieties of milkweed in room conditions is not difficult. For successful development, the culture needs properly organized watering, a lit place and rare top dressing. When handling a shrub, one should be aware of the toxic properties of the milky juice.

Euphorbia (Euphorbia) is a beautiful flowering plant of the Euphorbia family. He is loved for unpretentiousness, decorativeness and originality. Depending on the variety, spurge can be perennial or annual. herb, evergreen shrub and even tree. Euphorbia will decorate borders, and its annual varieties cultivate young trees growing in the garden.

In nature, there are about 2000 species of milkweed, which are difficult to understand even for specialists, so we will not delve into the general classification.

Garden species of milkweed

Let's talk about the types of milkweed that are grown in our gardens and parks. The most common of them:

• m. multi-flowered;
• m. almond-shaped;
• m. cypress;
• m capitate;
• m. bordered.

Euphorbia multiflora

Euphorbia multiflorous (Euphorbia epithymoides) is a low (up to 70 cm) perennial shrub; the most unpretentious and frost-resistant of all species.

It blooms from May to July, but until late autumn it pleases the eye with juicy decorative leaves: during the flowering period they have a pleasant light green shade, after which they acquire a beautiful lemon color.

Euphorbia almond-shaped

Almond-shaped spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is distinguished by unusual flowers of bright green color.

Collected in beautiful inflorescences, they sway from the slightest breath of wind on high (up to 60 cm) densely leafy stems. Blooms from April to June, suitable for growing in the southern regions of Russia, as it will not tolerate frosts stronger than -12 ... -15°C.

Euphorbia cypress

Euphorbia cypress (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a herbaceous perennial with a height of 15 to 40 cm. Its stems are densely dotted with needle-leaves.

During the flowering period (twice: in early spring and late summer), the bush resembles a fluffy ball, exuding a strong aroma.

Not afraid of drought, withstands frosts down to -20°C, very decorative.

Euphorbia capitate

Euphorbia capitulata (Euphorbia capitulata) grows in low (5-10 cm) curtains, which quickly form a dense "rug". It blooms in June-July with yellow or orange flowers.

Its thin underground shoots are spreading in all directions. Therefore, if you do not want the plant to crowd out the weaker neighbor "due to a rather aggressive spread, it must be restrained.

spurge bordered

Euphorbia bordered (Euphorbia marginata) is a decorative annual, which is popularly called "alien" for its very unusual appearance.

Its flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the edges of the leaves turn white during flowering, which gives the bush a charming “unearthly” delicacy. Propagated by seeds, and sprouts very quickly - 10-12 days after sowing. Blooms from mid-summer until the first frost. Likes slightly acidic peat soils and does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Of the less commonly cultivated species, I would like to note the unusually picturesque:

• spurge myrtle;
• hybrid spurge, which appeared not so long ago in our southern regions; more details about it are described in the article.

spurge myrtle

Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is an elegant low (up to 25 cm) perennial, which is worth getting for lovers of alpine slides. Valued for its interesting shape and geometric arrangement of bluish-gray leaves.

Propagated by seeds or cuttings. Prefers well-lit areas and well-drained calcareous soils. Blooms in May-June.

In our gardens there are many more representatives of this large family:

• m. variegated;
• m. long-horned;
• m. Altai;
• m. marsh;
• m. coastal;
• m. rocky;
• m. stone-loving and others.

Most of them are winter-hardy, with the exception of the "southerners", who are unlikely to endure the harsh Russian winter without shelter:

• m. fiery;
• m. mediterranean;
• m. myrtle.

Euphorbia care, the rules for its planting in the open field and the features of reproduction in different types practically do not differ.

Euphorbia reproduction

Euphorbia propagates by seeds, and by dividing the bush. Let's take a closer look at all these methods.

Propagation of milkweed by seeds

Many types of milkweed reproduce well.

Euphorbia - dioecious plant so that it reproduces naturally, plant female and male bushes side by side. Unfortunately, it is possible to determine the "gender" of plants only during flowering. Male flowers are narrow and long, with large pistils inside, while female flowers are wide, strewn with many stamens.

Sow seeds in open ground in the fall, a good place for sowing with sawdust or humus. Plants whose seeds have passed are more viable. Although, of course, you can sow the seeds in the spring. They will germinate in 10-15 days.

Propagation of milkweed cuttings

All types of euphorbia (except m. scaly and m. stone-loving) are easily propagated by cuttings.

Optimum cutting time: end of May - beginning of June. For cuttings, choose young shoots, make a cut with a sharp knife, rinse the milky juice that has come out thoroughly with warm water. Then sprinkle the sections with activated charcoal (including on the mother plant!) And put the branches for 1-2 days in a warm place. After drying, they can be planted in boxes for rooting.

Cover the bottom of the planting container with a drainage layer (2-3 cm), then with a soil mixture: sheet earth and sand in equal parts, it is useful to add a little crushed charcoal. The earth should be slightly damp: spurge does not tolerate waterlogging.

In a month, the cuttings will take root and will be ready for planting in open ground. To make the roots strong and strong, you can use preparations "", "" or others.

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or spurge longhorn: this will not affect the abundance of their flowering.

Euphorbia is very tenacious. Its wind-blown seeds sometimes sprout in the most unexpected places in the garden. Having found young shoots, dig up the plant and transplant it to a permanent place of residence. Just keep in mind: for all its unpretentiousness, he really does not like frequent “moves”.

When planting seedlings, fill the bottom of the hole drainage: expanded clay, pebbles, pieces of foam and so on. It is useful to place rotten tree bark on top of the drainage layer. Then, in the hole, 1/3 covered with drainage and bark, lower the seedling (with a clod of earth on the roots) and sprinkle with soil mixture to the top. The composition of the mixture: sheet earth, peat and sand in equal proportions. In addition, do not forget to put a support in advance, to which you will tie a young plant immediately after planting.

Euphorbia care

Euphorbia perfectly tolerates drought, it is necessary to water it only if the summer turned out to be hot and dry. But you can’t overmoisten it, it will have a bad effect on the root system.

Euphorbia should be fed twice or thrice in season with conventional mineral fertilizers. If you live in a region where the temperature drops below -12...-15°C in winter, mulch the plants with peat, humus or sawdust in the fall. It is desirable to “wrap” large bushes for the winter, with a dense plastic wrap or other material.

Features of milkweed

• spurge has excellent healing properties, which were discovered by the court physician of the Mauritanian king Eforb, who lived in 54 BC. In honor of the famous doctor, the plant got its name. Euphorbia is excellent for edema, rheumatism, stomach and lung diseases. For medicinal purposes, harvest before or at the very beginning of flowering. Dried, brewed like tea (drink in small portions), make alcohol tinctures;

• when cut, the stems and leaves of milkweed secrete a sticky liquid (milky juice), which can provoke an allergic reaction. Therefore, working with milkweed, be sure to wear gloves! But, oddly enough, it is the juice that has excellent healing properties, is widely used in pharmaceuticals and. Here you can draw an analogy with snake venom: in large doses - deadly, and in microscopic - healing.

Does spurge grow in your garden?

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 appearance. Some species are represented by succulent plants, with columnar or cactus-shaped faceted stems, other species have absolutely no leaves or have 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 belongs to unpretentious species and caring for these fancy houseplants 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 cosmetic products from 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 home species are used to decorate large halls, winter gardens, glazed greenhouses and verandas. Leafy varieties of milkweed are easy to prune and very original standard trees are obtained from them, 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 treelike plants as Benjamin's ficus or rubbery, palm-shaped dracaena Marginata or home 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. In folk medicine, milkweed 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 are obtained for the treatment of tumors, peptic ulcers, and 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), Fisher 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 spurge grows very well and is often used to decorate floral arrangements from such popular flowering houseplants as phalaenopsis or dendrobium orchid, 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 need additional lighting in winter. On hot summer days, you can shade the window glass a little. 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 the dormant period (usually in winter), spurge loves a slight coolness of 12-15 ° C. If possible, take the plant pot to a glazed loggia or balcony. The optimum temperature regime in spring and summer is 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 (leafy species, such as M. white-veined or M. Pallas, once a week, and cacti-like ones, 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 for an earthen 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 in equal parts leafy 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