Description of the white-veined euphorbia flower, planting and care at home

Many people grow white-veined milkweed because it has a beautiful appearance that resembles a miniature palm tree. There is an opinion that the plant protects against evil forces and neutralizes harmful radiation emanating from the computer. Even at the court of the Moorish king, they used the medicinal properties of the flower. Knowing about the healing capabilities of the plant, many people grow it at home so that they can prepare medicine at any time.

Variety selection

Thanks to the active work of breeders, more than 2000 plant species were bred. Among them, 120 varieties are grown in Russia. The culture of the Euphorbiaceae family is used in home and office floriculture. All euphorbias differ in the shape of leaves and inflorescences, but all have a milky, poisonous juice.

The most common types include the following varieties:

• triangular - with a fleshy triangular stem;
• cypress - with needle-like leaves that change color during the growing season;
• white-veined - the leaves have white veins, which is where the name comes from;
• armored - narrow leaves are on an octagonal stem;
• obese - the species resembles a greenish ball and has no leaves;
• crown of thorns - has many thorns, but blooms very beautifully;
• poinsettia – pleases with scarlet flowers in December;
• the head of a jellyfish - with shoots resembling tentacles;
• palasa – has medicinal properties.

All varieties are quite unpretentious in care and are adapted for cultivation in central Russia.

Features and description of milkweed

The ornamental foliage plant belongs to the Succulentus group. With proper care, the plant reaches two meters in height. Its homeland is Madagascar, so its native soil is sandy soil.

Stem and leaves

The trunk of the flower is dark green and has a pentagonal shape. At the bottom it is thin and dense, and towards the top it gradually thickens and becomes ribbed. At the end of such edges, hard bristles of a red hue are formed. The fleshy shape of the trunk gradually becomes woody. And the lower part smoothes and rounds over time.

There are no branches on the stem.Large, bright green leaves with veins compensate for the loss of branches. They are distinguished by their juiciness and fragility. If the petioles are damaged, the leaves fall off and scars form in their place.

Young leaves rush upward, which gives them a similarity to a palm tree. The upper glossy part is darker than the lower part.

The properties of the plant include the fact that in autumn it turns yellow and sheds its leaves. The process is explained by short daylight hours. At the first warm rays of sunlight, the flower turns green again and acquires beautiful leaves.

Flowering and fruits

The plant has dim flowers that peek out from the scales. They resemble white or white-brown thin sticky threads. The inflorescences are located in the axils of the upper leaves. The culture usually begins to bloom in the second year of life.

The fruits are collected in a three-nest box where the seeds are stored. At the moment of ripening, she shoots them. Once in a neighboring pot, the seeds easily take root.

Susceptibility to diseases and insects

Improper care can cause leaves to yellow and drop, or black-brown spots to appear on the leaves. Cold weather, lack of lighting, and overwatering can lead to the appearance of fungal rot.

The most common plant diseases include:

• powdery mildew;
• black rot;
• viral infection tobacco mosaic;
• Fusarium root rot.

If a home flower is affected by insects, then the leaves on the underside are strewn with multi-colored spots. Pests, parasitizing the plant, are very harmful to it. These parasites include:

• aphid;
• aleurodides;
• mealybug;
• spider mite

Failure to care for the crop leads to the development of diseases and insect attacks. Weak plants are affected first. If all rules of agricultural technology are followed, the risk of infection is eliminated.

Necessary conditions for cultivation

Despite the fact that the flower is not whimsical at home, it needs to be provided with optimal conditions for comfortable well-being.

Potty requirements

The container in which it will be convenient for the flower to grow must be wide enough. In this case, the depth should not be great, otherwise moisture will accumulate. But the plant does not like waterlogging.

If there are no holes at the bottom, you should make them yourself. At the same time, do not forget about drainage.

Euphorbia is not picky about the material of the pot. It can be made of ceramic, clay, wood or plastic.

Ideal soil

It is better to take soils for plants intended for cacti and succulents. They can be purchased at the store, or you can assemble them yourself. To do this you need the following components:

• peat mixture;
• river sand;
• leaf humus;
• pebbles or expanded clay.

The composition is collected in the same proportion. Then large drainage and the prepared mixture are placed on the bottom.

Air humidity

The room in which the flower grows needs systematic ventilation and relative humidity. It is preferable for the plant to be in a dry atmosphere, but away from heating devices.

It is not recommended to spray the plant; it is better to wipe the leaves with a damp brush.

Optimal lighting

The culture needs diffused sunlight. If a flower is in constant shade, it loses the bright color of its leaves.

Important: after placing the flower on the windowsill, periodically turn it towards the light source.

Temperature

The flower is quite heat-loving. If the room temperature drops below 16 degrees, then the plant needs additional heating.In a cool room, spurge begins to hurt and can be attacked by harmful insects.

Plant propagation methods

Any method is suitable for plant propagation. The event is recommended to be held in the spring.

Seeds

Sowing is carried out in light soil and shallow. First, the soil is moistened, the seeds are laid and covered with plastic film. The room should be warm and light. The seeds sprout quite quickly, so you need to ensure that you remove the polyethylene in time. As soon as several leaves appear, the shoots are transplanted into separate containers.

Cuttings

This method is recommended to be carried out at the beginning of summer, since during this period the flower grows shoots. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the side shoots and place them in water. The procedure is carried out to stop the secretion of juice. The stalk must be at least 10 centimeters.

If desired, cut shoots are treated with root and stuck into previously prepared soil. After this, you need to water it well and put it in a warm place. If everything is done correctly, shoots will appear within a week.

Planting and care at home

Plant care includes planting, pruning, watering and replanting into a larger container. When caring for a plant, you should remember that in the wild it grows in a dry and warm climate. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain such an environment at home.

Buying and replanting a plant

When purchasing a crop, you need to check that there are no spots on the leaves and whether the turgor of the shoots is normal. The flower should not have drooping leaves or a wrinkled trunk. The plant purchased in a special container requires replanting.

You also need to replant if the following cases are noticeable:

• roots have little space in the container;
• the plant began to rot;
• the root is affected by a fungal infection.

Replanting should be done regularly in order to change the dishes to a larger size and in order to change the soil to fresh ones. Over time, the soil becomes depleted.

Watering and fertilizing

The plant is comfortable with moderate watering. It starts to hurt as soon as water stagnates. It grows poorly if you don’t water the flower at all.

Important: it is better to under-hydrate the plant than to over-water it.

In summer, it is enough to water the flower 2-3 times a week, and in winter – once is enough. With the arrival of spring, the crop requires fertilizer. For these purposes, use fertilizers that are suitable for all succulents. You need to fertilize once every 30 days.

Trimming

Pruning is done in order to rid the flower of dry shoots. The procedure will also give the crop compactness and a beautiful shape.

Depending on how you prune the plant, you can achieve different results. If you cut off the top, this can cause branching. To do this, about 7 centimeters of the top is cut off with a sharp knife and sprinkled with fly ash.

Trimmed shoots or tops can later be used for propagation.

Main problems associated with cultivation

The culture grows well at home. Errors in care negatively affect flower growth. To avoid problems in growing, you need to review the maintenance rules.

The main complications include:

• shedding of leaves - excess moisture;
• drying leaves - lack of nutrients;
• growths on shoots - prolonged exposure to the sun.

To prevent the flower from becoming infected with diseases and pests, it can be treated with insecticides.

The culture easily adapts to home conditions.With proper care, the result on your home windowsill will be pleasing all year round. Do not discount the fact that the plant does not produce too much, but still toxic juice. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when caring for the crop.