Overview:
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston is a succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Texas. This plant is commonly known as Wheeler’s milkweed, Geyer's spurge, or Wheelers spurge.
Appearance:
This plant typically grows to around 2 feet tall and wide and has a shrubby habit. The stems are green with a reddish tinge and have a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. The leaves are small, narrow, and arranged in whorls along the stem. Wheeler’s milkweed produces small greenish-yellow flowers that are not showy but are followed by distinctive three-lobed seed capsules.
Uses:
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes. It is, however, used in some native landscaping and xeriscaping efforts due to its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature.
It is important to note that, like all Euphorbias, Wheeler’s milkweed contains a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. It can grow in partial shade, but too much shade will stunt its growth.
Temperature Requirements
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston thrives in warm temperatures. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but does best in temperatures between 65-85 °F. Temperatures below 55 °F stunt its growth while those above 95 °F can cause leaf drop and wilting.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston thrives in well-drained soil. It requires soil that is rich in nutrients and high in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate some drought but requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced in winter when growth slows down.
Cultivation methods
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston is a succulent plant that requires well-draining soil. It's ideal to use a cactus mix combined with some sand and perlite for better drainage. The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F-85°F. It's best to plant the Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana in a spacious container where it has plenty of growing room.
Watering needs
It's important to avoid overwatering the Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana as it's susceptible to root rot. The plant prefers the soil to dry out partially before the next watering. You must not allow water to accumulate on the leaves and stem as it can damage the plant. Once the soil's surface has become dry, you can water the plant deeply, saturating the soil.
Fertilization
You need to provide proper fertilization to the Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana during its growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall. Using a fertilizer with a balanced ratio such as 10-10-10 is ideal. It's best to dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the plant's dormant period.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana in proper shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to trim the plant's stems just above a leaf node. It's best to conduct pruning in late spring when the plant is actively growing. Ensure that you wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning to prevent the plant's milky sap from getting on your skin.
Propagation of Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from a mature Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston plant. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining soil mixture, either indoors or outdoors, in early spring to allow sufficient time for plant growth before the winter season arrives. Once the seeds have been sown, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. Germination usually takes place within a month.
Cuttings Propagation
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston can be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the spring or summer season. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant with several stems. The cuttings should be allowed to dry for a day or two before being dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded, warm area and watered regularly. Roots usually form within a few weeks, and the new plant can be transferred into its permanent position in the following spring.
Division Propagation
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston can also be propagated through division during the early spring or fall season. This process involves removing several stems from a mature plant and ensuring that each stem has roots attached. The stems are then planted in a well-draining soil mixture in an area with partial shade and watered regularly. The new plants should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight while they establish themselves, which usually takes a few months.
Propagation of Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana Warnock & M.C. Johnston can be a simple process, providing you follow the correct methods and care for the plant properly. By doing so, you can produce healthy new plants, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of this plant in your garden for many years to come.
Disease Management
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana is generally healthy and resistant to many diseases. However, it is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, which can cause leaf spots, root rot, and wilting.
To manage fungal diseases, ensure proper plant spacing to allow for air circulation and reduce humidity. Remove any infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides that contain copper, sulfur or neem oil.
Bacterial diseases can be difficult to manage. Remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Use clean gardening tools and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Euphorbia geyeri Engelm. var. wheeleriana is sometimes attacked by various insects, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and fine webbing. Regularly spray the plant with water to dissuade the spider mite from taking up residence. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also help control these pests.
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that resemble bits of cotton. They feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance that can encourage mold growth. Use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or alcohol to control mealybugs. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and wiping it over the infested plants is effective.
Scale insects are hard-shelled, brown or black insects that can be found on the underside of plant leaves. They also feed on plant sap. Use horticultural oil or alcohol to control scale insects. Rub affected parts of the plant with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
