How to Grow Euphorbia obesa? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
Euphorbia obesa is a succulent plant of the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae, also known as Huangyu, Obesa, etc. It is native to Cape Province, South Africa. The plant is small and spherical, with a gray-green epidermis marked by crisscrossing red-brown stripes. Because of its bizarre shape and color, it is very popular among enthusiasts and is an elegant indoor potted plant. Let us take a look at how to grow Euphorbia obesa!
Growth Habits of Euphorbia obesa
Euphorbia obesa prefers warmth and plenty of sunlight. Excessive humidity and shade will cause brown spots to form on the lower part of the stem. The growing medium should be plain sandy soil with good drainage. In winter, it is best to keep the temperature above 5°C and keep the potting soil appropriately dry. Foreign references describe a species called Shenyu (Euphorbia symmetrica) that is very similar to Euphorbia obesa, but no live specimen has yet been seen in China. According to the description, Shenyu has a slightly smaller plant shape, fleshy roots, and purple but rather blurred patterns, which can be used to distinguish it from Euphorbia obesa.
Propagation of Euphorbia obesa by Seed
Euphorbia obesa is commonly propagated by sowing. If you want to save seeds, you need to pay attention to pairing male and female plants and pollination during cultivation. Because it is dioecious and the ratio of female to male plants is unbalanced (male plants are much fewer), the possibility of obtaining seeds in cultivation is very small. Therefore, although it has been cultivated in China for a long time, it is still very rare.
How to Tell Male and Female Euphorbia obesa Apart?
1. Pistil: A single style grows out from the center and splits into three heads. The stigma on the heads is sticky and can hold pollen well.
2. Stamens: The male flower of Euphorbia obesa has two pollen balls on one style, and a male flower cluster basically has three stamens.
Cultivation Methods for Euphorbia obesa
1. Light: Euphorbia obesa prefers warmth and plenty of sunlight. Excessive humidity and shade will cause brown spots to form on the lower part of the stem.
2. Soil: The growing medium for Euphorbia obesa should be plain sandy soil with good drainage. In winter, it is best to keep the temperature above 5°C and keep the potting soil appropriately dry.
3. Watering: During the growing season, water Euphorbia obesa basically only after the soil has dried out completely. Do not pour water over the top of the plant; poor ventilation makes it prone to rot. In spring, watering must be increased gradually, and attention should be paid to changes in the weather.