Content
- Euphorbia ingens - about the care of the cactus spurge
- How often should Euphorbia ingens be poured?
- What to consider when repotting the cactus spurge?
- When and how can a cactus spurge be cut?
- Which pests can be a problem when taking Euphorbia ingens?
- Which diseases are common in cactus spurge?
- How is the milkweed cactus optimally fertilized?
- How do you get the cactus spurge through the winter?
- Tips
The milkweed cactus is very frugal
Euphorbia ingens - about the care of the cactus spurge
From a purely visual point of view, the spurge cactus (Euphorbia ingens) looks like a larger variant of the three-spined spurge (Euphorbia trigona). Although this succulent tree is not really a cactus from a botanical point of view, care needs are quite similar.
How often should Euphorbia ingens be poured?
The native of southern Africa Euphorbia ingens is quite well with "thirsty" cope. Therefore, you should only vigorously water the milkweed cactus every one to two weeks, then remove excess water from the coaster and allow the soil to dry until the next watering. During hibernation this species should only be watered once a month.
What to consider when repotting the cactus spurge?
When repotting, do not use ordinary potting soil as it often contains high levels of peat and too many nutrients. With special cactus clay, on the other hand, you can create the basis for healthy growth to a limited extent.
When and how can a cactus spurge be cut?
In general, most types of milkweed are not necessarily cut friendly. In the case of euphorbia ingens, however, the incision may become imperative over time, as older specimens under favorable conditions can grow up to 1 m per year. Be sure to wear protective gloves so that you do not come into contact with the poisonous milk juice when cutting. Large-area interfaces also require generous room ventilation.
Which pests can be a problem when taking Euphorbia ingens?
The following pests can sometimes be found on a milkweed cactus and can weaken the plant:
Often, changes in site conditions such as higher humidity help prevent pest infestation. If chemical aids from specialist retailers are avoided, many pests can also be brushed off with a soft soap solution.
Which diseases are common in cactus spurge?
Waterlogging and over-fertilization often lead to the formation of rot due to fungal diseases. In such a case, many a wolf milk cactus can still be saved if it is cut off in time and re-rooted like an offshoot.
How is the milkweed cactus optimally fertilized?
So that this wolf's milk chart does not grow over your head, little or no fertilizer should be used. Low-dose fertilizer should be used, if at all during the summer outdoor season and not during the cooler winter rest.
How do you get the cactus spurge through the winter?
Since euphorbia ingens and some other types of wolf milk are not hardy, they should be brought to a room at least 15 degrees Celsius with plenty of daylight after a summer outdoors and kept relatively dry there.
Tips
Due to the sometimes enormous growth, the care of Euphorbia ingens on a window sill does not really make sense. To keep the plant from becoming too big too quickly, it is important to ensure a moderate intake of nutrients from the beginning.