Overview
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam., also known as Brazilian tickleweed, is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbia family, commonly found in Brazil and other parts of South America. It is a succulent herb that has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine and horticulture.
Appearance
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. is a small, succulent perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. The stem is woody, green, and branched, with grayish-green leaves that are oval-shaped and slightly fleshy. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches.
Uses
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and is often used to treat skin and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as respiratory and urinary infections. In horticulture, it is commonly used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and xeriscapes due to its drought tolerance and attractive appearance.
Common Names
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam is commonly known as Brazilian tickleweed, as well as Christ's Crown, Cown's milk, Dayflower, Devild’s milk, False cactus, Garden spurges, Indian spurge, Indian tree spurge, Lechoso, Spurge, Tickweed, and Tropical African Milkweed.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. prefers a good amount of sunlight but can also grow properly in a slightly shady area. This plant can withstand direct sunlight but it is recommended that it is best grown in a place where it can receive an ample amount of bright, Indirect sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for the plant should be between 15°- 25°C or 59°F - 77°F. Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. thrives in a warm environment, hence, it is recommended that the plant is exposed to temperatures within this range for proper growth. If the temperature falls below 10°C or 50°F, the plant can quickly suffer damage and ultimately death due to the inability to withstand frost.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. prefers well-draining soils as water-logged soils can result in root rot, which can impact the plant's growth negatively. The soil should be sandy and nutrient-rich to provide optimum growth. A pH range of 6.0-7.0 is considered the best range for growth, hence, the use of acids or alkaline soils should be minimized or avoided. Regular fertilization is necessary to ensure proper growth, although too much fertilizer can also be detrimental.
Cultivation Method
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors or indoors under the right conditions. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and kept moist.
In outdoor cultivation, it is recommended to plant the Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. during the rainy season. The plant can thrive in full sun but partial shade is also acceptable. The temperature should not drop below 60°F (15.5°C) to avoid cold damage. It is also important to give enough space between plants to prevent overcrowding.
Indoor cultivation requires bright, indirect light, and temperatures around 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). The plant needs good air circulation and should not be kept near drafts or heat sources.
Watering Needs
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. does not tolerate overwatering, so it is important not to keep the soil waterlogged. The plant needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. In hot and dry weather, it might require watering once or even twice a week. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization can help the Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. grow and flower more. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during its growing season, which is between spring and summer. If you find that the plant is not growing as much, you can cut down on the fertilization.
Pruning
The Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. plant requires pruning to keep it in good shape and to remove dead branches. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, which is usually during winter. You can remove up to one-third of the plant's height to encourage more branching and fullness. Be careful when pruning, as the sap of the plant can be toxic and can irritate skin and eyes.
Propagation of Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam.
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a relatively easy and practical method for Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. Seeds can be collected from the plant and propagated in a well-drained pot or seedbed. The seeds should be thinly sown on top of light, well-draining soil, with a depth of around 1/8 inch. Cover the seeds with a layer of fine-grained sand to keep moist.
After germination, keep the soil continuously moist and allow the seedlings to grow until they are sturdy enough to transplant to individual pots.
Stem Cuttings
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem that is at least 4-6 inches long, without any signs of disease or damage. Make a clean cut with a sharp knife or shears, avoiding any contact with the milky sap.
Let the cutting sit for about a week to allow the cut surface to dry. Once it has dried, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and place it in a bright location. Keep the soil lightly moist, and avoid overwatering. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to its final location once it has outgrown its pot.
Division
Propagation by division of mature Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. is another option. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its container or garden bed, and identify any natural separation points in the roots. Use clean pruning shears to separate the roots into several sections without damaging them. Each section should have enough roots and foliage to support a new plant.
Re-plant the divided sections in individual pots or in their final location. Ensure that the soil remains moist, and protect the new plants from direct sunlight for a few days.
Disease and Pest Management for Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam.
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. is a succulent plant that belongs to the spurge family. This plant is relatively easy to take care of, but like any other plant, it is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam., as well as ways to manage them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that affect Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. These pests look like small, white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. They damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, which can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.
To manage mealybug infestations, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Simply spray the affected plant parts with the solution, making sure to coat the leaves and stems thoroughly. You can also use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the mealybugs manually. Repeat the treatment weekly until the infestation is under control.
Mites
Mites are another common pest that can affect Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause damage to the plant by suckling the juices from the leaves, causing yellowing and leaf drop.
To manage mite infestations, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Simply spray the affected plant parts with the solution, making sure to coat the leaves and stems thoroughly. You can also use a strong stream of water to wash them off. Repeat the treatment weekly until the infestation is under control.
Fungal Diseases
Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, while root rot causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt or die. These diseases can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or high humidity levels.
To manage fungal diseases, ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Remove any infected leaves or stems and increase the air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
By taking proper care of your Euphorbia brasiliensis Lam. and being vigilant for signs of pests and diseases, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
