Scientific Name
Euphorbia ritchiei (P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia ritchiei subsp. ritchiei, Monadenium ritchiei
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia ritchiei is native to Kenya.
Description
Euphorbia ritchiei, also known as Monadenium ritchiei, is a beautiful clump-forming succulent with a thick fleshy rootstock and erect or decumbent stems with prominent conical tubercles and fleshy leaves clustered at the tips. The green cylindrical stems can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The leaves are green with prominent cream-colored venation. They are broadly obovate with slightly crisped margins and can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The bright pink cyathia, with cup-shaped involucres and rounded lobes, resemble U-shaped flowers. They appear in small clusters near the stem tip. Fruits are 3-lobed capsules with oblong grey seeds inside.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
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. 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 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 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 Euphorbias. 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.
Subspecies and Cultivars
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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