Euphorbia flanaganii Crested
Origin: Eastern Cape, South Africa
A beautiful compact, crested form of the medusoid Euphorbia, E. flanaganii. The plant could fill a 15 cm bowl with age, during drier periods the plants take on nice brownish hues. Best planted in a bowl.
Plant size: Well established plants grown in 7 cm pots. The plant in the photo is of the plants that are for sale.
About Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a very large genus of mostly easy-growing succulent stemmed plants, ranging from tiny little plants to large tree-like species. The succulence may be in tuberous roots, the stems or leaves or sometimes a combination of these.
The species in South Africa is commonly referred to as “Naboom and noors” in Afrikaans. It is a widespread genus, known from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Madagascar. The greater concentration of succulent species is known from Africa and Madagascar.
The variability in the genus presents an array of plant forms, sizes, leaf shapes, colours and textures. This spectrum of features makes them excellent plants for container gardening, the rockery or used in larger landscapes. Care should be taken when handling or cutting Euphorbia species, especially the species from southern Africa. All Euphorbia species produces a milky latex which could burn the skin or cause damage to the eyes.
Caring for your Euphorbia
- Pot: In frost free and lower rainfall areas Euphorbias will do well in sunny position in the rockery. Euphorbia species do very well in containers and are often more attractive and compact when the growth is restricted.
- Soil: The plants prefer a well drained sandy medium with some organic matter.
- Light: The plants like very bright light and are best grown in sunny positions. The brighter the light the more compact your plant will be, the colour in patterned species will also be more pronounced.
- Water: The plants prefer being watered every two weeks, depending on the growing conditions. Well established Euphorbia plants can withstand prolonged droughts.