Content
- Euphorbia tirucalli successfully multiply itself
- Also with the care of the pencil shrub caution is necessary
- Cut cuttings of the pencil bush properly
- Suitable substrate for the rooting phase
- Tips
The pencil shrub can be propagated through cuttings
Euphorbia tirucalli successfully multiply itself
The Euphorbia tirucalli, which belongs to the milkweed family, is also referred to as a pencil shrub with its very special appearance of the pencil-thick branches and the characteristically confused growth habit. This plant is like other types of milkweed not frost hardy, but can be relatively easy to propagate with good care.
Also with the care of the pencil shrub caution is necessary
In general, a certain duty of care applies to the handling of milkweed plants, since the milky sap is relatively highly toxic in most cases. A certain caution is therefore also advisable when children or pets temporarily stay unattended in the living rooms. Since Euphorbia tirucalli is usually propagated by cuttings, it logically also comes to an exit of the plant juice from the thick, fresh green branches of the bush. Be sure to wear gloves when cutting cuttings so as not to come into contact with the corrosive and poisonous sap. Otherwise sensitive skin can quickly become red or blistered. If the sap reaches the mucous membranes, open wounds or stomach, the consequences can be even more threatening.
Cut cuttings of the pencil bush properly
So that it can come to an optimal rooting, the cuttings of the pencil shrub Euphorbia tirucalli should be cut in spring or early summer if possible. Besides, the following parameters have proved favorable for successful reproduction:
While a full-grown pencil shrub prefers to thrive in bright sunlight, cuttings should be placed in a somewhat shaded location due to their undeveloped roots and the resulting limited moisture absorption.
Suitable substrate for the rooting phase
After drying, the cuttings can be plugged into a lean substrate. This may for example consist of cactus soil or contain sand fractions and coconut fibers. During the first four weeks, it is important that the cuttings are not poured too often. However, covering with foil or growing in the indoor greenhouse can ensure that the cuttings do not dry up during this time. After about four weeks, fresh shoots should show if the rooting of the cuttings was successful.
Tips
In contrast to many other house plants such as the stinging nettle you can not root the branches of the pencil bush in a glass of water. The cuttings would otherwise rotting rather than rooting as offshoots of a succulent plant.