Scientific Name
Euphorbia ritchiei 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Euphorbia ritchiei (P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia ritchiei f. variegata, Monadenium ritchiei f. variegata, Monadenium ritchiei 'Variegata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
This succulent is a form of Euphorbia ritchiei selected for its variegated stems and leaves.
Description
Euphorbia ritchiei 'Variegata', also known as Monadenium ritchiei 'Variegata', is an attractive succulent that forms clumps of variegated cylindrical stems with prominent conical tubercles and variegated leaves clustered at the tips. The stems are thick, fleshy, erect or decumbent, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The leaves and stems are green and irregularly tinted with yellow, pink, and light brown. The prominent venation is lighter in color than the rest of the leaves.
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 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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. 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 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.
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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