Euphorbia ingens (Euphorbia ingens) are big, tree-like succulents that are beloved for their magnificent appearance and low-maintenance nature. They are identified by dark green, four-lobed stems and a columnar development structure that branches as they grow– leading to the common nicknames candelabra cactus and African candelabra tree.
Just like many other plants in the Euphorbia genus, the Euphorbia ingens grows well both indoors and outdoors and has become a popular choice for rock gardens and indoor houseplant collections alike. In their natural surroundings, these succulents can mature to 40 feet high, however they typically peak at around 8 to 10 feet high when growing inside your home.
Growers must exercise care when handling this succulent tree as the milky latex sap of the Euphorbia ingens is thought about exceptionally poisonous to human beings and animals.
Botanical Name: Euphorbia ingens
Common Name: Candelabra cactus, African candelabra tree
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant Type: Succulent, tree
Mature Size: 40 ft. tall (outdoors), 8-10 ft. tall (indoors)
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining
Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time: Fall, winter
Flower Color: Yellow, green
Hardiness Zones: 10-11, USA
Native Area: Africa
Toxicity: Toxic to pets1, toxic to humans
How To Care For Euphorbia Ingens
Euphorbia ingens are thought about relatively low-maintenance succulents. In their native environment, established Euphorbia ingens flower during the fall and winter months.
Light
These succulents require a lot of sunlight in order to flourish. An area that gets numerous hours of brilliant, direct light is finest although they can endure medium light. Like numerous succulents, Euphorbia ingens can not tolerate low light.
Soil
A sandy, well-draining soil mix is finest for Euphorbia ingens. They are not picky when it concerns soil pH and grow easily in poor-quality soils. Pick a potting mix that is designed for succulents and cacti or blend your own at home utilizing a 1:1 ratio of potting sand, soil, and perlite.
Water
Euphorbia ingens are accustomed to dry, arid conditions and can endure durations of drought. Providing your Euphorbia ingens with appropriate drain (in the kind of soil and/or a container with drainage holes) is essential to preventing overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideally, these plants should be kept in temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) but they can endure for short durations in temperature levels as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius). Growers outside of these areas can grow Euphorbia ingens indoors year-round or in containers so that the plants can be overwintered inside your home.
Fertiliser
These Euphorbia Ingens is used to growing in poor-quality and sandy soils. They are not considered heavy feeders. In fact, over-fertilization can be a problem for Euphorbia ingens as they can quickly experience fertilizer burn. If desired, a low-strength fertilizer created for succulents and cacti can be used in the spring and summer months to motivate strong, healthy development although it is not essential.
How To Propagate Euphorbia Ingens
While Euphorbia ingens can be grown from seed, the process can be difficult and seeds can be tough to come by. For that reason, these succulents are most frequently propagated by rooting stem cuttings which is even more reputable. Frequently taking cuttings from your plant will also motivate a fuller look as the stems will branch any place they are pruned.
Prior to you begin taking cuttings, it is necessary to take measures to protect yourself and your surroundings from the plant’s sap which can trigger inflammation if it enters contact with the skin. Ensure that you use a pair of protective garden gloves and set something underneath your plant to secure the floor from leaking sap.
To propagate Euphorbia ingens by stem cuttings, follow these actions.
- Using a sharp, disinfected knife or set of pruning shears, take a stem cutting from a healthy Euphorbia ingens plant. Use a paper towel to clean up any leaking sap from the cutting and the pruned edge of your plant.
- Set the stem cutting in a shallow dish and set it aside to enable the cut end to callous over for a minimum of 24 hr.
- Prepare a little pot with a sandy, well-draining potting mix and plant the stem cutting in the soil. Pat the soil down firmly around the cutting so it stands unsupported.
- Do not water the cutting for at least 2 weeks. After 2 weeks you can start checking the cutting for roots by gently yanking on it to see if it is secured to the soil at all.
- Once roots have actually begun to grow, you can begin watering the cutting routinely as you would with a fully grown plant.
How To Pot And Repot Euphorbia Ingens
Euphorbia ingens ought to be repotted every couple of years in the spring or summer months. Roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes or circling around the top of the pot are both signs that it is time to repot this succulent.
Pick a pot that is a couple of inches bigger than its previous container and guarantee you have some fresh potting soil. Eliminate the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball somewhat prior to putting it in its new pot.
Don’t Let Pests And Diseases Ruin Your Flapjack Succulent!
There are a few common pests and plant diseases to watch out for when growing Euphorbia ingens. Most significantly, these desert succulents are prone to root rot if they are overwatered or exposed to wet conditions for a prolonged period of time.
Unfortunately, the early stages of root rot can be tough to discover in these cacti, and usually once it becomes clear that something is wrong it is too late to conserve the plant.
The very best way to safeguard versus root rot is to make sure that your plant has plenty of sunlight and is drying out completely in between waterings. In addition to root rot, keep an eye out for typical insects like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
How To Take Care Of Euphorbia Ingens
For the most part Euphorbia ingens are problem-free and relatively low-maintenance. The most common problems came across when growing these succulents usually emerge from improper watering.
Yellow Stems
Slowly increasing the frequency of watering ought to assist to resolve this concern and prevent more yellowing, although stems that are already yellow might not recover completely. Keep in mind that these succulents usually require more frequent watering in the spring and summer season than they do in the fall and winter.
Soft Stems
It is important to act quickly as soon as you observe your plant has a mushy stem as root rot moves fast and can eliminate these succulents rapidly. The finest method to save Euphorbia ingens that is suffering from root rot is to cut the stem off above the rot and root the cutting in fresh soil.
