How to Help Euphorbia Milii Survive the Summer
Summer, with its high temperatures and intense sunlight, is a severe test for Euphorbia milii, which loves warmth but fears extreme heat. As a tropical succulent plant, Euphorbia milii needs precise control of light, water, temperature, and humidity to survive the summer. This article will systematically analyze key care points from five dimensions to help your Euphorbia milii safely navigate the summer, continuously displaying its coral-like bright bracts.
I. Light Control Strategies
1.1 Shading Protection Mechanism
Although Euphorbia milii is a positive plant, the intensity of direct sunlight in summer can reach over 100,000 lux, so it is recommended to use a 50% shade net to filter strong light. Avoid direct sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm, and allow for 2 hours of soft light exposure on the east-west window sills in the morning and evening.
1.2 Light Cycle Management
Maintain 6-8 hours of scattered light daily and use the pot rotation method to ensure even light exposure. If there are yellowing leaves or stem elongation, adjust the shading plan promptly.
II. Scientific Water Management
2.1 Watering Cycle Judgment
Use the bamboo stake method: Insert the bamboo stake into 2/3 of the potting soil and leave it for 5 minutes before pulling it out. If the bamboo stake is dry without moisture and the potting soil has lost 1/3 of its weight, water thoroughly. During dormancy, maintain a substrate moisture content of 20%-30%.
2.2 Watering Time and Space Selection
Strictly follow the "morning watering and evening supplement" principle, watering the substrate before sunrise (5:00-7:00) and applying foliar spray after sunset (19:00-20:00). Avoid watering at noon to prevent "steam scalding."
III. Nutrient Supply Plan
3.1 Fertilizer Ratio Adjustment
Apply N-P-K=5-10-10 low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. Outdoor maintenance requires supplementing with 0.1% water-soluble fertilizer every 5 days, while indoor environments should use slow-release fertilizer pellets, applying 2g per liter of substrate.
3.2 Special Period Treatment
Completely stop fertilizing when the temperature continuously exceeds 35°C, and after the temperature drops to below 30°C, flush the roots with water three times before resuming the fertilization program.
IV. Environmental Optimization Measures
4.1 Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintain the environment with a "double spray system": perform three atomized sprays at 10:00, 14:00, and 17:00, combined with the tray water curtain method, to keep the air humidity stable at 50%-60% and the substrate temperature below 28°C.
4.2 Ventilation System Establishment
Keep the air circulating day and night, using a circulating fan to create an airflow speed of 0.5m/s. During the rainy season, prevent waterlogging by laying a 3cm thick layer of volcanic stones as a water barrier.
Through the coordinated operation of the above five care systems, Euphorbia milii can not only safely survive the summer but also promote explosive growth in the autumn and winter. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive check every month, focusing on the lignification of the stems and the development of the thorn seats, and adjust the care plan in a timely manner to allow this "Iron海棠" to display its strongest vitality.