Origin:
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri, commonly known as Breon's spurge or Madagascar jewel, is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family native to Madagascar and some parts of Africa. The plant was first discovered by Wenceslas Bojer and his team during their expedition to the Indian Ocean Islands in the early 19th century.
Common Names:
The Breon's spurge is commonly known by various other names such as Crown of thorns, Christ plant, Christ's thorn, American wonder and Christusdoorn (in Afrikaans).
General Appearance:
Breon's spurge is a succulent plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The stems of the plant are thin, grey-green, and typically thorny, with pairs of small leaves that fall early in the growing season. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and pink to orange-red in color. The flowers bloom throughout the year, although they tend to be more prolific during the warmer months.
Uses:
Breon's spurge is a popular ornamental plant and is commonly used for its distinct beauty and attractive floral displays. It can be grown in pots or as part of a mixed border, and it prefers well-draining, sandy soil and a warm, sunny location. The plant is also useful in traditional medicine; the sap of the plant has been used for treating skin disorders, while the stems and leaves are used to treat headaches and toothaches.
However, it should be noted that the sap of the plant is toxic and can cause severe skin irritation. As such, the plant should be handled with care and kept away from children and pets.
Light Conditions
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri prefers bright light conditions to thrive. It can tolerate direct sunlight to some extent, but partial shade is best for its healthy growth. Direct exposure to too much sunlight may cause scorching of leaves, while inadequate sun exposure may result in weak and leggy stems.
Temperature Conditions
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow optimally. Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures for a short period, but freezing temperatures can severely damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers moist but well-draining soil to prevent the plant from rotting. The use of a good quality soil mix, consisting of sand, perlite, and peat moss, can provide the ideal conditions for the plant’s growth.
Cultivation methods
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can be grown both in the ground and in containers. When planting in containers, it is crucial to ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
This plant is relatively easy to grow and can survive in a variety of soil conditions, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is best to plant the Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri in the spring or summer.
Watering needs
Although Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri is drought-resistant, it needs regular watering during its growing season, which is from spring to summer. During the winter months, watering should be reduced. It is essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and other water-related issues.
A good practice is to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. It is also recommendable to water the plant at the base, avoiding overhead watering, which can invite fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri does not need frequent fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer every six months is favorable and will suffice to boost healthy growth and development.
It is best to fertilize the plant in the spring and summer when it is actively growing. Overfertilization can lead to stunted growth and other health problems.
Pruning
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri does not need regular pruning as it does not grow tall. However, regularly removing any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant will promote healthy development and longevity of the plant.
If the plant has overgrown, pruning back the stems by a third will promote bushier growth and a more attractive appearance. Wear gloves while pruning to avoid any skin irritation or exposure to the plant's toxic white sap.
Propagation of Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri is commonly propagated through stem cuttings and seed germination.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common method of propagation for Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant by cutting at a 45-degree angle using a clean, sharp blade. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Place the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Water them regularly and avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause the cuttings to rot. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots and new growth.
Seed Germination
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri can also be propagated through seed germination. Collect ripe seeds from the parent plant and soak them in water for a few hours to soften the hard seed coat.
Fill a seed tray or pot with well-draining soil and sow the seeds on top. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them gently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the tray or pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or in the garden.
Disease Management
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri is susceptible to various diseases that mainly affect its foliage and stems. Therefore, it is essential to detect the diseases early and adopt the appropriate measures to manage them.
The most common diseases that affect Euphorbia splendens include fungal leaf spots, stem rot, and powdery mildew. Fungal leaf spots appear as small, circular brown or black spots on the leaves. Stem rot is characterized by the wilting and rotting of the plant stems. Powdery mildew appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure proper plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris around the plant. Avoid overhead watering that causes moisture on the foliage, as it creates a favorable environment for diseases. In severe cases, apply fungicides as per instructions.
Pest Management
Euphorbia splendens Bojer ex Hook. var. breonii (Nois.) Léandri is resistant to most insects, but it is still possible for pests to infest it. The common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that appear as white cottony masses on the foliage of the plant. Spider mites are tiny pests that appear as small moving dots, mainly on the undersides of the leaves. Scale insects appear as hard, immobile bumps on the plant stems and leaves.
To manage pests, start with removing the affected parts of the plant. It is recommended to clean the plant regularly with a mild detergent solution. In severe cases, apply pesticides as per instructions.
