Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth, commonly known as the Ground Pea Spurge, is a succulent plant that originates from the arid regions of South Africa. The genus Euphorbia is believed to have been named after Euphorbus, a Greek physician to King Juba II of Numidia. The species epithet hypogaea refers to the plant's underground habit.
General Appearance
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is a small herbaceous perennial that grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and spreads up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. It features fleshy, low-growing stems that sprout from a central rootstock. The stems are cylindrical and have a gray-green to blue-green color, often with purple coloration at their tips. The leaves are tiny and inconspicuous.
The flowers are star-shaped, yellow, and occur in clusters at the end of the short stems. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by small, brown fruits that split open when ripe, releasing seeds that are dispersed by ants.
Uses
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is an attractive and hardy succulent that is often grown as an ornamental plant in rockeries, succulent gardens, and container gardens. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. However, it is important to handle this plant carefully, as it secretes a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.
This plant has also been used traditionally in South African medicine to treat a range of conditions, including earaches, headaches, and toothaches. The sap has been used to treat warts, corns, and other skin conditions, although caution must be exercised due to its toxic properties.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth requires bright light conditions to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade during the hottest parts of the day, but it needs direct sunlight for several hours each day. Growing the plant in a south-facing window or under grow lights can provide the light it needs.
Temperature Requirements
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is a tropical plant and prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it cannot survive in freezing temperatures. The plant thrives in temperatures between 65 and 85°F and should be protected from sudden temperature drops.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It cannot tolerate heavy clay soils or those that retain too much moisture, which can cause root rot. A cactus or succulent soil mix can be used or a mix of sand and potting soil can also be used, as long as it is amended with organic matter.
Cultivation
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth, also known as the underground spurge, is a hardy plant that is native to South Africa. As a drought-tolerant plant, it is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soils.
The plant needs a warm climate to thrive. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures average between 20 and 32 °C. It is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Plant the seedlings or cuttings at a depth of one inch, and space them approximately 12 inches apart.
Watering
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is a drought-tolerant plant and can tolerate mild water stress. It prefers moderate watering during the growing season, particularly in the driest periods. The soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, leading to death.
It is best to avoid waterlogging the soil as this can lead to root rot. If the plant is grown in a container, ensure that there are adequate drainage holes.
Fertilization
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth requires little fertilization, as excessive fertilization can damage the plant. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer at half strength once a month.
It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer, as this will provide the required nutrients gradually over a more extended period, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter season, as this can cause new growth, which is vulnerable to frost damage.
Pruning
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth requires minimal pruning, as the plant does not produce many branches. Prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead or damaged branches. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears, and make clean cuts to avoid injuring the plant.
When pruning the plant, wear protective gloves, as some species of Euphorbia contain a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. If the sap comes into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
Propagation of Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa and is known for its beautiful green leaves and unique inflorescence. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and is relatively easy to propagate using various methods.
Propagation by Cuttings
One of the most common methods of propagating Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is through stem cuttings. To propagate using cuttings, select a healthy stem and use a sharp, sterile knife to cut it at a 45-degree angle. Allow the cutting to dry and callus over for a few days, then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Propagation by Seed
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth can also be propagated from seed, although this method can take longer to produce mature plants. To propagate using seeds, collect the seeds from a mature plant and plant them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and be patient; the seeds can take several weeks or even months to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted to individual pots and grown to maturity.
Propagation by Division
Finally, Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing an existing plant into two or more sections, each with its own root system. To propagate using division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots and stems into smaller sections. Plant each section in well-draining soil and water thoroughly, then provide bright, indirect sunlight. With proper care, each section should establish its own root system and grow into a mature plant.
Disease Management
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is vulnerable to several diseases that can severely damage the plants. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Crown Rot: caused by fungi that infect the plant roots and eventually spread to the stem. The symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant and plant in well-drained soil.
- Root Rot: caused by bacteria, fungi, and waterlogging can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage this, remove the infected plant, and plant in well-drained soil. Apply fungicide treatment to the remaining plants.
- Leaf Spots: caused by bacteria can cause the development of small, round spots on leaves. It is best managed by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicidal spray on the remaining foliage.
Pest Management
Euphorbia hypogaea Marloth is susceptible to various pests, which can cause extensive damage to the plant. The common pests that infest this plant are:
- Spider Mites: They suck up the plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and drying of the leaves. To control them, wash the plant with water, avoid over-watering, and apply insecticidal soap or oil.
- Scale Insects: They appear as small, oval-shaped bumps on the stems or leaves of the plant and secrete sticky honeydew. To control them, scrape off the bumps, wash the plant with water and oil-based insecticides.
- Mealybugs: They secrete a cotton-like substance on the plant and feed on the sap causing stunted growth. To manage them, Wash the plant with water, remove infected parts, and apply insecticidal soap.
