Euphorbia flanaganii f. cristata (Green Coral)

Scientific Name

Common Names

Crested Medusa’s Head, Green Coral

Synonyms

Euphorbia flanaganii ‘Cristata’

Scientific Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia

Description

Euphorbia flanaganii f. cristata is a cristate form of Euphorbia flanaganii. This specie has two cristate forms. One with a cristate central shoot and normal cylindrical lateral shoots developed on it, and another with cristate lateral shoots only, without main shoot. The form with lateral shoots type cristation is very common in cultivation. It looks very different from the species and forms a thin flattened crowded cluster and develops in time a large cushion-like mass, up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide which resemble a wavy emerald green coral. The form with caudex cristation forms a snaky fan-shaped ridge with normal cylindrical lateral shoots developed on it. It is quite rare and very different from the cristation involving a lateral shoot.

Photo via pinterest.com

How to Grow and Care

Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don’t let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Euphorbia can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). It is usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky, because of the exuding sap… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.