Euphorbia ingens

La Euphorbia ingensWhen we see it young, it is difficult to imagine that over the years it can become a fairly large tree. But it is like this. It is a species that needs space to grow, so it is very interesting for medium or large gardens.

Maintenance is not very difficult, although you have to be careful with watering as it is seriously harmed by waterlogging. But perhaps that is an advantage: you will not have to worry about watering it as it resists drought very well. Do we know it?

Origin and characteristics of Euphorbia ingens

It is an endemic tree in southern Africa, where it lives in tropical, rather dry, and warm regions. It can reach a height of up to 15 meters high, with a very dense crown formed by stems that are arranged in such a way that their appearance as a whole acquires a candelabriform shape. These stems are long, over a meter, and about 4-6cm thick, green in color. The trunk is straight, with a smooth bark.

As a curiosity, to tell you that adult specimens can weigh several tons. It is, without any doubt, one of the predominant trees in that area of ​​the African continent.

What are their cares?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Climate

The climate to be able to grow it all year round outside it must be warm, no frost or very, very mild. From my own experience I affirm that it resists without problems up to -2ºC, as long as they are weak, punctual and short-lived frosts.

If it is colder in your area, you must protect the Euphorbia ingens in a heated greenhouse or indoors, in a bright room away from drafts.

Earth

• Flower pot: it is advisable to fill with sandy substrates, such as pumice for example (for sale No products found.). However, it is not a plant that can be grown throughout its life in a pot.
• Garden: the soil has to have good drainage, so if the one you have is compacted a lot, the ideal is to make a hole of at least 1m x 1m, and fill it with a pumice.

Irrigation

escaso. Water only when the soil is almost or completely dry. If it is potted, you should be watering until the water runs out of the drainage holes; and if it is on the ground, add as many liters as necessary until you see that the soil is very moist.

You do not have to wet the stems, and less if at that time the sun hits it directly as they could burn and / or rot. In addition, if you have it in a pot with a plate underneath, you must remove the excess water 20 minutes after watering, since otherwise its roots could die asphyxiated.

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Throughout the warm season of the year It is highly recommended to pay with specific fertilizers for succulents (for sale No products found.) following the indications specified on the product packaging.

Multiplication

La Euphorbia ingens multiplies by stem cuttings in spring-summer following this step by step:

1. First, cut a stem at the part that joins the rest of the plant, with a knife previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
2. Then, let it dry in semi-shade, in a corner where it is protected from eventual rains, for about 7 to 10 days.
3. After that time, it impregnates its base with rooting hormones (for sale No products found.), and fill a pot with pumice.
4. Then plant the stem (without nailing it) in the center of the pot.
5. Finally, water and place the pot outside, in semi-shade.

If you keep the substrate moist, watering it about 2 times a week, it will emit its own roots after about 20 days. But you should keep it in that pot until you see that it comes out of the drainage holes since this way it will be able to obtain the necessary energy to be able to move on.

Plagues and diseases

Does not have, but if it is watered in excess the fungi will harm it. So to avoid this, do not hesitate to check the humidity of the soil before watering.

Planting or transplanting time

You can plant it in the garden in spring, as long as the minimum temperature is higher than 15 degrees Celsius. If you have it in a pot, transplant it every 2 or 3 years, to another that is about five centimeters larger.

Rusticity

Resists weak and specific frostsbut the ground has to be dry. You will also need protection against hail, especially when young. For this reason, if you live in an area where winters are cold, you have to protect it with a anti-frost fabric or inside the house until the good weather returns.

What do you think of Euphorbia ingens? Have you seen photos of any adult specimen?