Scientific Name
Euphorbia abdelkuri 'Damask'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
This succulent is a naturally occurring mutation found in 1999 on a typical grey specimen of Euphorbia abdelkuri in a private collection.
Description
Euphorbia abdelkuri 'Damask' is an attractive succulent with spinless, reddish-pink, somewhat wrinkled stems. It is a slow-growing plant and can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height, usually branching from the base. The stems can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and typically have six ribs. They look like reddish-pink candles with melted wax on them. The color of the stems varies depending on light intensity.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia abdelkuri 'Damask'
Light: This succulent is a sun lover. Place your indoor E. abdelkuri 'Damask' in a sunny window. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall. Increase sun exposure gradually to prevent sunburn.
Soil: E. abdelkuri 'Damask' requires well-drained soil. Use a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents, or make your own.
Temperature: High summer temperatures are not a problem, but low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. E. abdelkuri 'Damask' can withstand temperatures as low as 35 °F (1.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10b to 11b, 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Give it just enough water to prevent wilting. The best time of the day to water your E. abdelkuri 'Damask' in the warm season is the evening.
Fertilizing: Plants in a pot need regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
Repotting: E. abdelkuri 'Damask' will benefit from repotting, but it does not need to be repotted yearly. When your plant is outgrowing its pot, it is time to repot it in a larger pot and give it a fresh potting mix. The repotting is best done in early spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when repotting this succulent.
Propagation: The easiest and fastest propagation method for this plant is by cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds, but it can be difficult for seeds to germinate. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or summer. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia abdelkuri 'Damask'
E. abdelkuri 'Damask' produces a toxic white milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes. Therefore, keeping your plant away from children and pets is best.
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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