How to Cultivate麒麟掌 (Euphorbia trigona)
Core guide to the main content: Learn how to cultivate麒麟掌 and detailed information on the care methods for this plant, follow our editor's guide!
麒麟掌 is a tropical succulent plant that thrives in heat and is drought-resistant, but it is susceptible to cold and excessive moisture. Excessive watering, over-fertilization, and low environmental temperatures during daily maintenance can easily lead to poor growth, various diseases and pests, stem rot, and root rot. So, what issues should be considered during the daily maintenance of 麒麟掌? Let's share some insights with fellow gardening enthusiasts, hoping it will be helpful.
1. Well-drained and aerated soil for healthy roots
麒麟掌 prefers loose, well-drained sandy soil. Since its root system is not very vigorous, heavy and compact soil can easily lead to poor root growth or even rot. Therefore, when preparing the planting soil, the primary consideration is soil looseness and aeration, which can be achieved by adding an appropriate amount of granular materials such as coarse river sand, perlite, or vermiculite.
For planting 麒麟掌, a mixture of one part decomposed leaf soil and one part coarse river sand is suitable. Decomposed leaf soil is loose and well-aerated with sufficient nutrients, while coarse river sand has good drainage capabilities, effectively improving soil drainage.
2. Moderate-sized pot with good aeration, no waterlogging or root rot
麒麟掌 has an underdeveloped root system with no main root and only a few fibrous roots, making it less resilient. The choice of pot is also very important. A pot that is too large with excess soil can lead to a low efficiency of soil moisture cycle, which is not conducive to root germination. Moreover, poor aeration and drainage of the pot can also inhibit root growth.
When choosing a pot for 麒麟掌, consider both size and material. The pot size should be just enough to accommodate the root system, and the material should ideally be a breathable clay pot or a purple sand pot, with a drainage hole at the bottom, preferably as large as possible.
How to Cultivate 麒麟掌
3. Sufficient light for vigorous growth and faster appreciation
麒麟掌 is a light-loving plant that requires plenty of direct sunlight during its growing period. It's essential to ensure the plant receives as much direct sunlight as possible. The spring, summer, and autumn seasons are its peak growing times, and adequate sunlight is crucial during this period. With sufficient light, the plant can perform more effective photosynthesis, and it's best to provide full-day sunlight.
In winter, 麒麟掌 enters a dormant state, and sunlight is not as critical. The focus during this season is to prevent freezing and maintain life.
4. Optimal environment with high temperature and low humidity for rapid growth
麒麟掌 prefers a warm and dry growing environment and is heat-tolerant but sensitive to severe cold. Summer is its peak growing season, so there are no environmental issues during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. Growth completely stops below 10℃ in winter, and the minimum temperature should not be lower than 5℃. Therefore, winter insulation is crucial, and in northern or central regions, it must be moved indoors, ensuring the indoor temperature does not remain below 5℃ for extended periods.
麒麟掌 prefers a relatively dry environment, and there's not much to say about this. As long as the environment is comfortable for humans, it is generally suitable for 麒麟掌, and we don't need to make special efforts for it.
5. Reasonable watering and fertilizing for healthy growth
麒麟掌 prefers a dry soil environment and dislikes excessive fertilization. During daily maintenance, watering must be controlled, as excessive watering can easily cause root rot. The simplest rule for watering 麒麟掌 in all seasons is to water only when the potting soil is not completely dry. In the rapid growth seasons of spring, summer, and autumn, water can be added as soon as the soil is completely dry. In winter, when the soil is completely dry, it can be watered a few days later.
麒麟掌 does not require heavy fertilization and needs a relatively small amount of fertilizer. Applying a single application of organic solid fertilizer in both spring and autumn is sufficient, preferably a mixed organic fertilizer buried shallowly in the potting soil. Subsequent watering will continuously provide nutrient support for 麒麟掌.
Summary: 麒麟掌 is a succulent plant, and its care is not much different from that of a cactus. Just remember 14 characters in daily maintenance, and you should be fine: "More sun, less water, a little fertilizer, avoid freezing."
The above sharing on how to cultivate 麒麟掌 and detailed methods for caring for this plant are for reference only.