Euphorbia euphorbia is a flower belonging to one of the most common Euphorbia families in the plant world.
A tropical plant is found in countries of Asia, Africa, South America. The family of euphorbia has about 2000 species.
Features
The main property is the presence of white milky juice. The ancient Roman physician and botanist Evforb, the court healer of the king of Numidia, studied the plant for many years, developed recipes for treatment. Euphorbia owes him his second name.
Euphorbia has many useful properties:
- used in garden design;
- serves as a decoration for a home interior;
- use in cosmetology - freckles are whitened with cellular juice, excessive pigmentation is removed;
- used in folk medicine - a natural aphrodisiac, has many medicinal properties.
Types of indoor milkweed
All types of milkweed are poisonous. Once in the body, the juice provokes burns to the skin, mucous membranes, poisoning. Annuals and perennials are not alike. They differ in the shape of leaves, stem, inflorescences.
| Title | Description |
| Akalifa (foxtail) | Evergreen low shrub. Leaves are elliptical in shape. Bright red flowers are collected in inflorescences of the ear type. |
| Fringed Annual | It reaches a height of 75 cm. It has a bright edge on enlarged emerald-colored leaves. |
| Belozhilkovy | A popular houseplant with a powerful ribbed trunk. White veins stand out on malachite leaves (for this it got its name). Decorate small inconspicuous flowers. |
| Multicolor | A plant for the garden. Perennial. It grows to 80 cm. A hemispherical bush blooms at the beginning of the last spring month. |
| Trihedral | Perennial. At home, with proper care, grows up to 3 m. A wide fleshy triangular trunk is covered with thorns. The ends of the stems are strewn with bright green leaves. Over time, they fall. Blooms rarely. Propagated by self-seeding. |
| Comb | Shrub type evergreen. Egg-shaped leaves gather on top of a ribbed trunk. Forms white, pink flowers. |
| Shiny (Mile) | Perennial thorny shrub. Aggressive needles increase as they develop. The plant is decorated with medium-sized flowers of white, pink, yellow, cream color. It has the name "crown of thorns". Flowering, which began in early spring, continues until late autumn frosts. |
| Poinsetia | Evergreen plant up to a meter tall. The leaves are large, ellipsoidal in shape with smooth, wavy, jagged edges. On the tops of the shoots brightly colored bracts are formed, giving a decorative look. |
Mr. Dachnik explains: does euphorbia belong to cacti?
About 500 species of euphorbia are succulents. Some look like cacti. But they belong to the family of euphorbiaceae. The name defines a common feature - when cut from the ground parts, juice stands out. White, viscous, liquid similar to milk. This cactus indoor flower does not apply.
Euphorbia - the nuances of growing
A poisonous plant in indoor floriculture occupies a special niche. Milkweed growing technology has certain nuances:
- The use of rubber gloves when working with a plant.
- Proper placement - Do not put a flower near food. It is better to keep it away from rooms where small children, pets play.
If these rules are followed, the euphorbia will not cause harm. The basic requirements for maintaining the plant in room conditions:
- good lighting;
- cool in the winter months;
- moderate watering.
The implementation of all recommendations will ensure the successful growth of milkweed, attractive appearance. Growing a decorative plant is available to beginner gardeners.
Home Care
Euphorbia is unpretentious enough for indoor breeding. Growing ornamental plants is available to beginners.
Illumination
Euphorbia is not picky about light. It does not fade in the shade, but its growth slows down. With sufficient lighting, the flower feels much better.
In the summer season, most milkweed get along well in a light shade. In winter, the plant needs the most lighted place. Small direct sunlight is acceptable.
Lack of light leads to impaired metabolism of nutrients, slow growth, and death.
Temperature
The plant loves warmth. For milkweed, room temperature is considered optimal. Certain plant species suffer a decrease to + 5 ° C, but houses are grown mainly heat-loving varieties. If possible, in the warmer months, the flower is taken out into the fresh air, onto a balcony or loggia. When the temperature there drops below + 10 ° C, the succulent is returned to the room.
Watering
Excessive waterlogging of the soil leads to death. Rules for watering milkweed:
- Spring-summer period - spend once a week.
- Heat - additional weekly spraying of leaves with water at room temperature.
- Winter time - once a month. When the temperature in the room with milkweed drops to + 12 ° C, the moistening is completely stopped: wet soil will cause the death of the plant.
- The period of winter leaf fall is careful watering.
If the earth is very dry, watering is resumed gradually. A little room temperature water is added to the plant pot. For 2-3 days, the serving is doubled. After high-quality soil impregnation, produce normal watering.
Humidity
The plant tolerates dry air well. Preferred for milkweed consider moderate humidity. In winter, euphorbia is placed away from heating. In hot weather, the leaves are sprayed with warm water.
Excessive humidity at low temperatures leads to leaf falling. It also causes root rot, which causes the plant to die. Moderate humidity is a significant factor for growth.
Earth mixture
Qualitative development requires a certain substrate. Milk leaves suitable permeable loose soil. In specialized stores, they purchase ready-made soil for succulents, cacti. For self-preparation of earth mixtures use:
- sheet earth - 2 parts;
- humus - 3 parts;
- sand - as much.
At the bottom of the flower pot is placed drainage - expanded clay, brick debris, charcoal, foam balls, pebbles.
Fertilizer
Euphorbia is fed during the growing season. It falls on the spring-summer season. Top dressing is applied once a month, pre-abundantly watered.
To improve the milkweed growth, fertilizers containing potassium are suitable. Organics under the culture do not contribute. In the autumn-winter period, euphorbia is at rest: fertilizers are not used.
Transplant Features
The first stage is the preparation of loose, nutritious soil. The transplant is carried out in the spring. A new flower pot is selected in diameter wider than the previous one. Optimal transplant dates:
- for young specimens - once in 12 months;
- for rooted flowers - once every two years.
Pruning
Spend after flowering, always with gloves:
- dried stems are cut off;
- shorten the elongated trunk.
The purpose of pruning is the formation of a thick, lush crown. In the next season, abundant flowering of the plant is observed. A lot of young shoots are activated. The flower takes on a more decorative look.
Breeding methods
Breeding milkweed is not difficult. Reproduction is carried out in three ways:
- sowing seeds;
- cuttings;
- division.
The most affordable way - propagation by seeds that ripen in boxes. Then they get enough sleep in the pot. The collected seeds are placed in moist soil, covered with polyethylene. During germination, the soil is constantly moistened. Young shoots do not need additional care.
Propagation by cuttings is carried out in the fall. Use the process of the leaf sinus 10 cm in size.
Shoots for cuttings are cut at an acute angle. For 10 minutes dipped in hot water. After the termination of juice production, the sections are sprinkled with crushed coal. Leave for 48 hours to dry. Cuttings are planted in moist prepared soil. Cover with polyethylene, which is cleaned after rooting.
Large bush propagated by division. In the resting position, the flower is taken out of the pot, the rhizome is divided into parts. The resulting components are planted in separate containers. The method is not recommended for use due to its high complexity.
Pests and diseases
Improper plant care causes critical conditions. A common disease of milkweed is rot. The main reason is the effect of drafts on the plant.
Euphorbia is susceptible to gray mold. It appears in the form of white blotches on the ground parts of the plant. Leaves are covered with gray plaque. The main cause of the disease is excess moisture. To prevent gray rot, regularly remove organic residues, ventilate the room, and avoid excessive damage to the plant.
With a moisture deficit, the leaves of the succulent yellow, fall off. A poisonous plant is susceptible to attack by pests. A spider mite, aphid, root and mealybug are a threat. Scale - the main pest that causes yellowing of leaves.
In the fight against pests, folk remedies are used - soap solution, tobacco dust, ash, medicinal herbs, fragrant flowers (lavender, nasturtium, calendula, gypsophila). Advanced forms of disease require the use of chemicals. In specialized stores they will purchase:
- Fufanon, Actellik - kills ticks;
- Akarin, Intavir - destroys aphids;
- Arrivo - disastrously affects the mealybug.
What is the danger of a poisonous flower
All plant varieties secrete milky juice. It is dangerous for children, people with allergies, pets. Possible harm:
- Skin burn - redness, swelling, allergic reactions appear. The affected area is washed with cold water, antihistamines are taken - Loratadin, Ebastin, Zodak Express, Cetirizine.
- Eye contact could result in loss of vision. A call to a doctor is required.
- Ingestion through the mouth causes dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps. Fainting conditions are possible. They thoroughly wash the stomach, take absorbents, activated charcoal. Drink a large amount of liquid. In severe poisoning, a doctor is called.
Careful handling of the flower during care avoids possible dangers.
Mr. Summer resident explains: is it possible to keep euphorbia at home
Euphorbia is endowed with life-giving power. It promotes family well-being, serves as a source of positive emotions. During flowering, the ability to bring good luck, happiness to the house is added to the positive properties. Euphorbia is considered a love spell that can rid the evil eye of spoilage.
According to existing signs, needle plants cannot be kept at home. Feng Shui experts believe that this flower is suitable for living quarters, except for the bedroom. The best place for euphorbia is the corridor. During the formation period, the plant is transferred to the living room.
Medical use
Euphorbia indoor has many useful properties. The plant has found application in official medicine, folk medicine. Milkweed Benefit:
- exhibits a tonic effect;
- stimulates the work of vital organ systems;
- It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties;
- effectively cleanses blood vessels;
- has an antitumor effect.
Euphorbia is used in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. A positive effect is observed with disorders of the stool. Cellular juice removes papillomas, corns, eczema (a doctor's consultation is required).
Lotions from the released fluid eliminate burns, boils. Euphorbia helps in the treatment of wounds, seizures.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- childhood;
- severe heart disease;
- allergy.
Culture has found wide application in alternative medicine. From the ground parts prepare decoctions, infusions. Root extract is a powerful emetic. It is used for gastrointestinal infections. Milk lubricates skin areas affected by warts, scabies, and lichen.
Quick-growing milkweeds are very popular among lovers of indoor floriculture. Proper care of succulents allows you to decorate living quarters, create landscaping in garden areas. Euphorbia fits perfectly into the office interior.
