Scientific Name
Euphorbia neorubella Bruyns
Common Name(s)
Red Monadenium, Red Monadenium Bonsai Tree
Synonym(s)
Monadenium montanum var. rubellum, Monadenium rubellum
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "neorubella (nee-oh-ROO-bel-uh)" means "new, somewhat red" and refers to the reddish appearance of this species.
Origin
Euphorbia neorubella is native to Kenya (Machakos County).
Description
Euphorbia neorubella, formerly known as Monadenium rubellum, is a caudiciform plant with a large rounded tuber or cluster of several smaller tubers. The stems are green with longitudinal purplish-green stripes. They are erect at first, then decumbent, and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface, reddish underneath, and grow at the tip of the stems. They are with both ends acute, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The flowers are pink to red and usually appear from spring to summer. They can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia neorubella
Light: Most Euphorbias are sun lovers, but some will tolerate partial shade. Place your indoor Euphorbias on windows with southern or southeastern exposure.
Soil: Euphorbias require well-drained soil. They even thrive in poor, dry soils. Use a commercial mixture formulated for cacti and succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: Euphorbia antiquorum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: Succulent Euphorbias can survive drought, but that does not mean they need it. From spring to fall, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Give them just enough water to prevent wilting.
Fertilizing: Every Euphorbia will benefit from fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
Repotting: Euphorbias do not need to be repotted every year. However, when your Euphorbia is outgrowing its pot, it is time to repot the plant in a larger pot and give it a fresh potting mix.
Propagation: The easiest and fastest method of propagation for many species is by using cuttings. Euphorbias can also be grown from seeds, but they can be difficult to germinate and even hard to find.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia neorubella
All Euphorbias produce a toxic white milky sap and can irritate the skin and eyes. Therefore, keeping the plants 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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