Euphorbia cyathophora Decapitation Method
Euphorbia cyathophora, as a star variety in the succulent plant world, is highly sought after by gardening enthusiasts for its unique variegation and upright growth habit. When the plant exhibits etiolation, aging, or requires shaping adjustments, scientific decapitation not only restores its ornamental value but also allows for mass propagation. This article will illustrate the complete process and key care points of Euphorbia cyathophora decapitation and pruning through professional diagrams.
Four Core Steps of Euphorbia cyathophora Pruning
Tool Preparation and Disinfection
Select a gardening-specific decapitation knife measuring 12-15 cm, with a recommended blade thickness of 0.8-1.2 mm. Before use, soak the knife in 75% medical alcohol for 10 minutes and then quickly burn it on a flame for 3 seconds to create a sterile layer. Special attention should be paid to checking the joint between the back of the blade and the handle to avoid rust or burrs.
Accurate Cutting Node Location
Observe the plant's growth point distribution and choose a stem internode position with a diameter ≤3 cm, 5-7 cm from the top growth point. Use a 45° oblique cutting method, maintaining a consistent cutting speed of 2-3 cm per second to ensure the cut surface area is within 1.5-2 cm². Immediately cover the wound with sulfur powder to form a protective film after cutting.
Wound Care and Environmental Control
Move the mother plant to a ventilated environment with a temperature of 18-25°C and humidity of 40%-50%. Strictly avoid rain and moisture for the first 3 days, and from the 4th day, expose the plant to 2 hours of scattered light daily. Spray 1 time with a 1000-fold solution of benomyl every 7 days during the healing period, for 3 weeks until complete callus tissue forms.
Cutting Treatment for Propagation Optimization
Select robust cuttings that are at least 8 cm long and remove the first 2-3 rows of leaves from the base. Soak the base in a 1000ppm rooting hormone solution for 30 minutes, then insert it into a mixture of perlite: vermiculite (3:1). Maintain a temperature difference of 25°C during the day and 18°C at night, and new roots will emerge in 20-25 days.
Three Key Points of Scientific Care
Water and Fertilizer Management Cycle
After decapitation, the mother plant should be water-controlled for 15 days, and watering should be resumed after new buds sprout. Maintain the cutting medium humidity at 30%-40% and use bottom irrigation to replenish water. The concentration of water-soluble fertilizer should be reduced to 1/3 of the regular amount.
Light Control Strategy
Avoid direct sunlight for the first two weeks after surgery, using a shading net to filter 50% of the light intensity. From the third week, gradually increase the duration of light exposure, adding 1 hour daily until full sunlight is restored.
Disease and Pest Prevention System
Establish a regular inspection system, focusing on the area around the cut. Remove scale insects promptly with 75% alcohol cotton swabs, and when fungal infections occur, alternate the use of mancozeb and pyraclostrobin for control.
Through scientific decapitation and meticulous post-care, not only can the aesthetic appeal of Euphorbia cyathophora's growth habit be重塑ed, but geometric-level propagation can also be achieved. Mastering key technical points such as wound disinfection, environmental control, and cutting activation will elevate your succulent care to a new level.