What are the characteristics of Euphorbia plants?
Euphorbias flowers are usually tiny, unisexual, and nondescript although in many species, the bracts around the individual flowers can be showy. Some species can grow quite tall; however, the typical plant attains a height of 18 inches and in the spring displays clusters of colorful bracts. Cut whole plant back to the ground in autumn Herbaceous perennial types of euphorbia need deadheading after flowering. Then cut back the plant to the ground before the first frosts – it will reappear next year.Almost all euphorbias are relatively easy-care perennials that are either evergreen or die down to the ground in winter and come back in spring. Leafy-stemmed foliage comes in many colors, sizes and textures. Various perennial species may appear as mounds, clusters of upright stems, or low ground crawlers.If you notice that your beloved Euphorbia drops her leaves during winter, don’t worry! Your Euphorbia goes dormant to focus on her alone time and will shine again in spring. During the winter months, when days are shorter and darker, your Euphorbia might take a little rest and become dormant.Euphorbia heterophylla thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be kept in a well-ventilated area to prevent fungal issues. This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil.While euphorbias are known to require very little water, they do will wilt if they get too dry too many times. Ill-timed waterings can create stress and cause your plant to have discolored leaves, leaf drop, and wrinkling.
Is euphorbia heterophylla poisonous?
Toxicity. Toxicity is documented in most members of the genus euphorbia. Individuals sensitive to latex are known to have strong reactions, including dermatitis and anaphylaxis, to the latex exuded by this plant. The latex or sap of many euphorbia plants is toxic, and may cause inflammation of skin1 and the eye2,3 on contact. Ocular inflammation varies from a mild conjunctivitis to severe keratouveitis, and there have been several case reports of permanent blindness resulting from accidental exposure to the sap.The plant contains a poisonous white milky liquid and chemicals that can cause cancer, burning in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both fresh and dried products are unsafe. When applied to the skin: Euphorbia cyparissias is unsafe. It can cause rash, burning, and blisters.Euphorbia plants are toxic to children. Touching the sap produced by cut or broken stems or leaves may cause a rash and skin irritation. Euphorbia latex that comes into contact with the eyes can cause blindness. Eating or chewing on Euphorbia plants will irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach.The milky sap or latex of Euphorbia plant is highly toxic and an irritant to the skin and eye. This report illustrates the spectrum of ocular inflammation caused by accidental inoculation of latex of Euphorbia plant.
What is Euphorbia also known as?
Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. Euphorbia can have stems, that have finished flowering, cut back to the first side-shoot that hasn’t flowered, lower down on the stem. Take care when pruning and wear long sleeves and gloves to prevent the irritant sap getting in contact with your skin. This is the time to do it but yours look great as they are.Euphorbia is one of those plants that is just as likely to turn up in a landscape as in a household. Most Euphorbia varieties can grow outdoors in zones 5 through 11, although tender houseplant varieties can be moved outdoors during the summer.These euphorbias generally grow well in average free-draining garden soil in full sun.This can vary depending on the environment and pot size, so it’s important to check the soil regularly. Expert tip! If you notice that your beloved Euphorbia drops her leaves during winter, don’t worry!
What is the inflorescence of Euphorbia heterophylla?
Inflorescence are grouped in contracted cymes terminal of cyathia. Flowers together in a cup (cyathium) containing 3-5 male flowers reduced to one stamen and one female reduced to one ovary. Flower consisting of a triloculare ovary, which hangs outside the cup. The majority of species are monoecious (bearing male and female flowers on the same plant), although some are dioecious with male and female flowers occurring on different plants. It is not unusual for the central cyathia of a cyme to be purely male, and for lateral cyathia to carry both sexes.
What are common Euphorbia problems?
Fungal Diseases: Euphorbia plants can be susceptible to fungal infections like powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves, and root rot, often caused by overwatering. Overwatering: Euphorbia plants are drought-tolerant and can suffer from root rot if watered too frequently. Facts: Euphorbia Culture: Most prefer well-drained, light soil in full sun, although some Euphorbia prefer moist, humus-rich soil in part shade or permanently moist soil in full sun.Euphorbia plants are drought tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered often. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure to check the soil before watering.Euphorbias will take full sun to half a day of sun and need well draining soil. They all have a white sap in their stems keeping the deer at bay but can also cause a rash in some people, so wear gloves when pruning Euphorbias.Euphorbias grow in most types of soil as long as it is fertile and well drained. If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by introducing some border soil improver. For more free-draining soils, add some well-rotted manure to the planting hole to enrich the soil and help to retain nutrients.