Scientific Name
Euphorbia lomelii V.W.Steinm.
Synonym(s)
Hexadenia macrocarpa, Pedilanthus macrocarpus, Tithymaloides macrocarpa, Tithymalus macrocarpus
Common Name(s)
Lady's Slippers, Slipper Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "lomelii" (pronounced "sko-poo-li-KOH-luh") honors José Aquileo Lomelí Sención (born 1955), a Mexican botanist known for his work on the flora of Mexico and a specialist in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Origin
Euphorbia lomelii is native to Mexico.
Description
Euphorbia lomelii, formerly known as Pedilanthus macrocarpus, is an unusual, slow-growing succulent with slender, sometimes branched, lime-green stems that are usually leafless or have tiny inconspicuous leaves. It spreads slowly outwards, with new stems emerging from below ground, forming tight clumps up to 3 feet (90 cm) wide. The stems can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, at first erect, later arching or bending outwards under their weight. They are tapered like a candle near the tips and covered by a waxy substance called "candelilla," meaning "little candle," giving them a white sheen.
The unusual, red-to-yellow, slipper-shaped, flower-like structures (cyathia) appear in clusters at the tips of the stems from mid-summer into fall. The red, oblong fruits develop from female flowers and are visible in late fall and winter.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia lomelii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from overcare and overwatering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but cannot tolerate wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle prolonged 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 them 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. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
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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