How to Care for Euphorbia milii
As a star variety of the Euphorbiaceae family with thorny shrubs, Euphorbia milii is favored by many plant enthusiasts for its unique spiky shape and vibrant bract flower crown. However, to keep this "thorny beauty" continuously charming, professional care techniques need to be mastered. This article will systematically analyze the full-process practical guide from environmental control to propagation cultivation.
Euphorbia milii Environmental Control Trilogy
Accurate Control of Light and Temperature
Ensure at least 6 hours of scattered light exposure every day, and can accept full sunlight in spring and autumn. In summer, use a shade net to filter strong sunlight at noon to prevent sunburn spots on the leaves. Maintain an ideal temperature of 15-20°C in winter, and it is recommended to move indoors and stop fertilizing when the temperature drops below 10°C.
Advanced Scientific Watering Rules
Adopt the "thoroughly wet" principle, watering once every 10 days in spring and autumn, and shorten to 7 days in summer. Reduce water during the bud formation period, and water again when the stem shows slight wrinkles to prevent flower drop. Only 50ml of warm water is needed to be watered along the pot edge monthly during the dormant period in winter.
Smart Fertilizing Schedule
In the growing season (March-September), apply diluted "Flower More 1" every 15 days, and switch to applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution during the bud formation period. Pay special attention to keeping the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio at 1:3:2, as excessive nitrogen fertilizer can cause internodes to grow more than 30% longer.
Euphorbia milii Propagation and Cultivation
Golden Time Window for Cutting
Select a stable temperature of 25°C in May-June for operation, and cut semi-woody branches with 3 leaf nodes, each 8cm long. Apply carbendazim to the cut surface and let it dry for 48 hours to form white callus before cutting, which can increase the survival rate by 40%.
New Matrix Ratio Formula
Use a mixed matrix of perlite:vermiculite:peat soil = 2:1:1, with a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom to enhance drainage. Maintain the matrix moisture at around 40% and create a 90% humidity environment with a transparent cover, and it takes about 55 days to root.
By precisely controlling the four key elements of light, water, temperature, and fertilizer, combined with scientific propagation timing management, even gardening beginners can make Euphorbia milii bloom every year. It is recommended to add bone meal as a base fertilizer when repotting every spring, to continuously provide the plant with growth energy. Mastering these core techniques, you can also create a stunning desert rose landscape.