How to Grow Euphorbia tirucalli 'Golden Crown'? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Golden Crown Euphorbia - what I'm introducing today is not the real mythical qilin! It's the Golden Crown Euphorbia plant, which belongs to the cactus family and gets its name because its shape somewhat resembles the qilin of our legends. Golden Crown Euphorbia is often used as a potted ornamental plant, with a unique and beautiful appearance. So do you know how to care for and manage Golden Crown Euphorbia?

How to Grow Golden Crown Euphorbia

1. Watering

Golden Crown Euphorbia prefers neutral soil and water; soil or water that is too acidic or too alkaline will threaten their growth. Since Golden Crown Euphorbia is a cactus-type plant, it needs less watering - ideally once every 6 to 7 days. When planted outdoors in a sunny spot, it can be watered by misting, once every 2 days. There must be no standing water in the pot, otherwise the roots will easily rot. When watering, the water should be left to reach room temperature. If the temperature of the water differs too much from the surface temperature of the Golden Crown Euphorbia plant, it can easily cause the surface to crack, and may even lead to the plant's death.

2. Light

Golden Crown Euphorbia originates from the deserts of South America and loves high temperatures, sunlight and full exposure. Ample sunlight is more conducive to promoting its growth. For this reason, in the south, balconies and rooftops become their best cultivation spots. In the north, since Golden Crown Euphorbia is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant and easy to keep alive, placing them indoors to grow is also no problem. But if conditions allow, moving them outdoors for full sun exposure on sunny days will help them grow even better.

3. Fertilizing

Golden Crown Euphorbia is suited to neutral fertilizers, such as potassium nitrate. Or certain organic fertilizers, such as peanut residue cakes or soybean residue cakes. It can be fertilized once a month, and during the growing period in May and June, a little more can be applied.

4. Soil

For the potting soil used to grow Golden Crown Euphorbia, it is best to use a mixture of more pond mud (river mud) and a small amount of coal cinders. This kind of mixed soil has excellent drainage and aeration, which is very beneficial to the growth of Golden Crown Euphorbia.

Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Golden Crown Euphorbia

1. Soil

For Golden Crown Euphorbia, it is best to use a medium made from a mixture of river mud, pond mud and coal cinders, with river mud and pond mud making up a larger proportion. This kind of soil is breathable and has good drainage, which is beneficial to the growth of Golden Crown Euphorbia.

2. Watering and Fertilizing

Golden Crown Euphorbia prefers neutral water, and when watering, the water quality must not be too strongly acidic or alkaline. It should not be watered too much - this does more harm than good - so there must be no standing water in the pot of Golden Crown Euphorbia, otherwise it will lead to root rot, stem rot, or even the whole plant rotting away. During the vigorous growth period, Golden Crown Euphorbia can be watered once every 6 to 7 days, basically alternating between dry and moist. In summer, watering can be more frequent, once a day, but do not soak it through; in winter, basically do not water until it is dry; during the rainy season, pay attention to drainage. Note that the temperature of the water must not differ too much from the indoor temperature. Golden Crown Euphorbia needs some base fertilizer when planting, and during the growing period it can be fertilized once a month; during the flowering period, some flower fertilizer can be applied to promote blooming.

3. Light and Temperature

Golden Crown Euphorbia originates from the deserts of South America, prefers light, and also likes a warm growing environment; it is not cold-tolerant. During the growing period, it should maintain sufficient light. In spring and autumn it can be exposed to direct light; in summer, pay attention to shading; in winter, Golden Crown Euphorbia can be placed in a sunny spot indoors for care. Golden Crown Euphorbia likes warmth and is not very cold-tolerant; the growing temperature should be kept between 15°C and 20°C. In winter, pay attention to keeping it warm and place Golden Crown Euphorbia indoors to overwinter.

4. Precautions

If Golden Crown Euphorbia is not cared for properly, for example with insufficient light, the flower color will become dull. Being too shaded for a long time will cause it not to bloom. Water and fertilizer management needs to be done well; too much is not suitable, otherwise the plant will grow leggy and may show reversion, affecting its ornamental value.

Propagation Methods for Golden Crown Euphorbia

Golden Crown Euphorbia is mostly propagated by cuttings, carried out between May and June. After it takes root, it can be divided and replanted in the autumn of the second year. Note that the white sap in the stems and branches of Golden Crown Euphorbia is toxic, so avoid poisoning.

What to Do If Golden Crown Euphorbia Roots Rot

First, take the plant out of the pot with the soil ball, and wash the soil off in water. If more than half of the root system is still intact, the affected roots can be trimmed off cleanly, then place the root system (including the root stem portion that was in the soil) in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution to soak for a while. After taking it out, place it in a shaded spot to dry the attached medicinal solution, then repot it using leaf mold soil (steamed in a pot for one hour before use).

After potting, place it in a spot with bright scattered light, control watering, and spray water on the modified stems and the surrounding ground several times a day to increase the air humidity of its surrounding environment. After new leaves sprout, carry out normal management. If the root system has completely rotted or only a few roots remain, the plant must be root-trimmed and disinfected as described above, then potted in steamed clean river sand to encourage rooting, and covered with a transparent plastic film.

If the growth point at the top of the plant shows signs of sprouting, it indicates that it has taken root. After that, a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be applied once a week, and after the new leaves unfold, repot it with leaf mold soil.

Through the above content, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of Golden Crown Euphorbia. Many people like to grow Golden Crown Euphorbia at home, not only because of its imposing appearance, but also because Golden Crown Euphorbia is very easy to care for and has a long lifespan.