How to water and fertilize a Euphorbia neriifolia (Indian spurge tree), and how often to water it
As a plant grown in desert regions, watering is a very important issue for the Euphorbia neriifolia. On the one hand, having inherited desert-living experience, the Euphorbia neriifolia certainly does not need much water, but after changes in the growing environment, the Euphorbia neriifolia may also have undergone some changes in its habits, so this article will be an important reference for growing the Euphorbia neriifolia.
How to water the Euphorbia neriifolia
1. Newly potted
A newly potted plant is given one watering to settle the roots, and after that the operation depends on its actual condition. Watering about once every 2 to 3 days is enough, but the amount of water should not be too large.
2. Summer and autumn
Summer and autumn are the seasons of its most vigorous growth, but it is fairly drought-tolerant, so it should not be watered too much either. You can follow the principle of watering thoroughly only after the soil has dried out; if there is rainy weather, then watering should be delayed, and the soil must not be kept in a moist state for a long time, otherwise it easily causes its roots to rot, and in severe cases it leads to the death of the whole plant. When overwatered, this plant grows leggy, which besides affecting its appearance is also harmful to its healthy growth.
3. Winter and spring
Its cold resistance is poor, so in winter it is generally kept indoors, and the temperature must be kept above 15 degrees. If the temperature drops to 12 degrees, it will enter a dormant period, and at this time watering should be reduced, or even stopped, keeping the soil dry, and then once the temperature gradually rises again in spring, normal watering can be resumed. In winter, if the temperature can be kept between 15 degrees and 18 degrees, then watering once every 10 days is enough.
How to fertilize the Euphorbia neriifolia
Actually, the Euphorbia neriifolia does not like fertilizer, so under any circumstances it should be fertilized sparingly, and the fertilizer concentration must be light.
When the winter temperature drops below 12 degrees, fertilizing should stop, and only when the temperature returns to 20 degrees can normal fertilizing resume. By late autumn the temperature is already close to winter temperatures, and at this point fertilizing can be paused. When the summer temperature is above 30 degrees, it enters a dormant period, and at this time fertilizing should also be paused. Once the temperature drops to 22 degrees, fertilizing can resume.
For routine care, fertilizing just once a month is enough, and the fertilizer must not be too concentrated when applied, as this easily causes root rot.
Propagating the Euphorbia neriifolia by cuttings
1. Choosing cuttings
In May and June, a well-grown stem segment should be cut off as a cutting; after cutting it off, it must first be dried in the air, and once the wound has slightly shrunk and dried, it is inserted into plain sand. The cutting just inserted into the plain sand should not be watered, because if it is watered immediately after insertion, such a stem segment will rot from the bottom upward. So it must be left for 2-3 days before being sprayed with water.
2. Potting
When it is time to pot it up, the prepared potting soil should be mixed using garden soil, rotted manure soil, river sand and so on; when planting, a layer of cinder or coarse sand grains should first be placed at the bottom of the flowerpot, in order to help drainage, so as to avoid waterlogging and root rot that affect the plant's growth. After potting, water thoroughly, and remember to first place it in a cool place for a week; after a week it should immediately be moved to a place with weak light, and then gradually moved to a place with stronger light, so that the plant can adapt to the changing environment and promote growth and development; the Euphorbia neriifolia is fairly drought-tolerant, so it does not need much watering, and it is enough to water when you see the potting soil is dry.
3. Growing temperature
The most suitable temperature for the growth of the Euphorbia neriifolia is 22-28°C. Above or below this range, the Euphorbia neriifolia will go dormant or its growth will be affected; so attention should be paid to winter insulation measures, and as long as the temperature is above 7°C it can overwinter safely.
The growth habits of the Euphorbia neriifolia
The suitable growing temperature for the Euphorbia neriifolia is 22-28°C. Above 35°C it enters a dormant state and all its leaves drop off. It should not be kept in too shady a spot or in direct sun, and it likes half shade. It is fairly cold-tolerant, and in a -10°C environment it can maintain normal growth for half a month. In warm regions it can be planted in courtyards, while in cold regions it is mostly grown in pots for ornament.
Overall, the Euphorbia neriifolia is a relatively easy plant to grow. Generally speaking, after a period of growing it, a certain growing rapport forms between the person and the Euphorbia neriifolia, and then observing and caring for the Euphorbia neriifolia becomes much easier.