Origin
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter is a succulent plant species that belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its origin is in Ethiopia and Eritrea, two countries located in eastern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by its scientific name, Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata, and also by some other names such as Longipetiolate Milk Bush, Gilg's Euphorbia, and Ethiopian Euphorbia.
Uses
Traditionally, the plant has been used by Ethiopians for a variety of purposes. The latex from the plant is used as a traditional medicine for treating skin diseases and as a purgative to clear out the digestive system. The plant is also used to make fencing and as a biomass fuel.
General Appearance
The Longipetiolate Milk Bush is a succulent plant with a succulent stem that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The stem has thick branches that grow upright and form a dense canopy of leaves on top. The leaves are thick, obovate, and measure about 4 cm in length. The plant produces flowers that are small, yellow, and clustered at the tips of the branches. The fruit produced by the plant is a capsule that contains seeds which are used for propagation.
Light
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter commonly grows under full sun to partial shade. The plant thrives well in bright light and requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate exposure to light can lead to reduced growth and may also affect flowering.
Temperature
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day and cooler temperatures of around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at night. Temperatures lower than 10°C may cause damage to the leaves, and prolonged exposure to higher temperatures may lead to dehydration of the plant.
Soil requirements
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter requires well-draining soils with good aeration. The plant prefers soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the soil should be free from waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter is a shrub that grows in rocky terrain, mountain slopes, and valleys. It is a hardy plant that thrives in well-draining soil and a warm, sunny environment, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
You should plant Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter in the springtime, so it has time to establish its roots during the active growing season. The plant will grow up to three feet tall and three feet wide, so make sure to space them out appropriately.
Watering Needs
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. It is crucial to ensure that the plant's soil is completely dry before applying water. Watering once a week during the growing season and twice a month during the dormant season should suffice.
Avoid overwatering the plant, as too much moisture can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter.
Fertilization
It is unnecessary to fertilize Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter, as the plant grows in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you wish to enhance the plant's growth, you may use a slow-release fertilizer during the early stages of the growing season.
Ensure that the fertilizer does not come into contact with the plant's leaves or stem, as this can lead to burning and necrosis.
Pruning
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter requires minimal pruning, as it grows into a natural, bushy form. However, if you need to control the plant's size or shape, you can prune it during the early stages of the growing season.
It is crucial to wear gloves as the euphorbia produces a milky sap that can irritate the skin. Ensure that you cut the stem at an angle, and sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter, commonly known as the Long-stalked Euphorbia, is a succulent plant native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and easy propagation. There are various propagation methods that can be employed to grow new plantlets from this species.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a common method used to grow E. schimperiana var. longipetiolata. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mixture and kept in a warm, humid environment until germination. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from one to four weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another popular method used to grow new plants from E. schimperiana var. longipetiolata. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and allowing them to callus over before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the cuttings to root. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is best done when the parent plant has outgrown its pot and needs to be repotted. This method involves dividing the plant root ball into several smaller sections, each with their own stem and roots. Each section should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until new growth appears, indicating that the sections have rooted. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for new growth to appear. Once rooted, the individual plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is considered a more advanced propagation method and is not commonly used for E. schimperiana var. longipetiolata. This method involves attaching a scion from the desired plant to a rootstock of a different Euphorbia species, usually E. lactea or E. neriifolia. The scion and rootstock should be joined together and allowed to grow for a few weeks before transplanting the grafted plant into a well-draining potting mix. Grafting is typically done in early spring or late summer when the plants are actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter, commonly known as long-stalked spurge, is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that can adapt to various growing conditions. However, just like any other plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and health.
Common diseases
Long-stalked spurge can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, stem rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is characterized by white powdery growth on the leaves, stem and flowers of the plant. Stem rot, on the other hand, causes the stems of the plant to rot, making them look soft and discolored. Lastly, leaf spot causes dark spots to appear on the leaves, which can spread and cause the leaves to fall off.
Pest management
Common pests that can affect long-stalked spurge include spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to become discolored and distorted. Aphids, on the other hand, suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves.
Disease management
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to avoid overhead irrigation and keep the plant foliage dry. Pruning any affected parts of the plant and keeping it well-ventilated can also help prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Additionally, applying a fungicide can help control the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest management
Controlling pest infestations can be done by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can prey on spider mites and aphids. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control pest infestations. Additionally, practicing good plant hygiene, such as removing any affected plant parts and keeping the plant well-maintained, can help prevent pest infestations.
With proper disease and pest management, Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. longipetiolata (Pax & K.Hoffm.) S.Carter can thrive and add beauty to any garden or landscape.
