Scientific Name
Euphorbia polygona 'Snowflake'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia polygona 'Snowflake' is a cultivar of Euphorbia polygona.
Description
Euphorbia polygona 'Snowflake' is a highly branched succulent with chalky white stems that have obscure tubercles fused vertically into 7 to 20 prominent, wing-like angles. The cylindrical-clavate stems can grow up to 6.6 feet (2m) tall and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. This cultivar has fewer spines than the species, with spines measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length. The tiny leaves are soon deciduous.
Numerous cyathia appear around the tip of each branch, either solitary or up to 3 on each persistent peduncle in the axil of the tubercle. They can reach a diameter of about 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) and have five entire red to dark purple glands.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbia is very easy to care for. These plants require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from overcare than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and ample sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but cannot tolerate 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 top several inches of the soil are dry. Water deeply, but avoid letting them sit in wet soil, as this can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or if your soil is poor in nutrients.
These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. A rooting hormone is recommended for Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
Learn 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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