Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax is a succulent plant species that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the Usambara Mountains, which are located in Tanzania, East Africa. This plant is commonly known as the African Milk Bush, Usambara Spurge, or Euphorbia Truncated.
General Appearance
The African Milk Bush is a drought-loving and hardy plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a succulent stem that is ridged and branched, which is light green in color. The plant has elliptic leaves that are green and fleshy which grow up to 6 cm in length and 3 cm in width. The leaves of the plant are reduced as they climb the stipe. This plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers that are surrounded by distinctive chartreuse bracts.
Uses
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax is known for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. The sap of this plant is used in traditional medicine in East Africa to treat various ailments, including skin disease, malaria, and snake bites. The Euphorbia plant is often used in commercial gardening and landscaping projects due to its striking appearance. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in warm climates and requires minimal maintenance.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax requires bright light to thrive. Being a native to the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania in east Africa, it is adapted to living in areas that receive abundant amounts of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C, and frost can cause severe damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.6 to 7.5. It is tolerant of many soil types but does not tolerate heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. Adding sand or perlite to the soil mix can improve drainage. It also benefits from regular fertilization during its growing period.
Cultivation
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax, also known as the Usambara Spurge, is a succulent plant that's native to Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. It's commonly grown as an indoor plant because of its small size and ease of care.
The plant prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause its leaves to turn yellow and drop off. The plant can be grown in a range of temperatures, but it's best to keep it in a warm and humid environment.
In terms of potting, use a container with drainage holes and a potting mix that's specifically formulated for succulents. This will provide the plant with the right amount of nutrients and drainage it needs to thrive.
Watering
When it comes to watering, the Usambara Spurge prefers for its soil to dry out completely before being watered again. Water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots and then allow it to drain completely. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and eventually, the death of the plant.
In the winter months, reduce watering frequency while still ensuring that the soil doesn't dry out completely. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering due to higher temperatures and increased humidity.
Fertilization
The Usambara Spurge doesn't require frequent fertilization, however, the plant can benefit from being fertilized during the summer months. Use a succulent-specific fertilizer once or twice a month and dilute it to half the recommended strength. This will help the plant grow healthy and produce vibrant blooms.
Pruning
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax doesn't require frequent pruning, but if needed, remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems using clean, sharp pruning shears. Wear gloves when pruning as the plant's sap can be irritating to the skin. Avoid pruning the plant too much as it can lead to stunted growth and an unhealthy plant.
Propagation of Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax, commonly known as the African milk bush, can be propagated through various methods, such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, and seed germination.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common propagation method for Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season from healthy, mature branches with at least three leaves. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut a stem that is 4-6 inches long. Let the cutting dry for a day or two until the cut end forms a callus.
Once the callus has formed, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm but not direct sunlight. Root development should occur within 2-3 weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be moved to a larger pot.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings can also be taken during the growing season. Cut a section of the root that is 1-2 inches long and plant it in soil with the cut end facing down. Water the soil and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Root development should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Seed Germination
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax can also be propagated from seeds. The seeds need to be fresh and should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and water the soil. Place the container in a warm, bright location but not direct sunlight. Germination should occur within 1-2 weeks.
It's worth noting that the sap of Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax is toxic and can cause skin irritations. Be sure to wear gloves and handle the plant with care while propagating it.
Disease Management
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax is generally a healthy plant, but it can still fall victim to fungal and bacterial diseases. The following are some of the most common diseases that might affect this plant:
- Leaf Spot: This disease results in brown or black spots on the leaves, which then lead to premature leaf drop. It is caused by bacteria and fungus, and it can be avoided by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered, and by making sure that the leaves are dry. Affected leaves should be pruned as soon as possible, and disposed of away from the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Crown Rot: This is a very serious disease that can affect the roots, stem, and leaves of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. It is caused by a fungus that grows in moist soil. The best way to avoid this disease is by ensuring that the soil is well-draining. If the plant is infected, it should be disposed of, and the soil should be sterilized to prevent the fungus from growing.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, discoloration, and the formation of raised lesions. The best way to avoid this disease is by ensuring that the plant is sprayed with a fungicide regularly.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include a white powdery substance on the leaves, which can lead to the deformation of the leaves. The best way to avoid this disease is by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered, and that there is good air circulation around the plant. It can also be treated with a fungicide.
Pest Management
There are several pests that are known to affect Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. elliptica Pax. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that tend to gather in clusters. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The best way to avoid this pest is by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered, and that the humidity is low. It can be treated by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that can inflict a lot of damage on the plant. They feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become distorted. The best way to avoid this pest is by ensuring that the plant is sprayed with water regularly, and by maintaining good air circulation around the plant. It can be treated by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that can cause a lot of damage to the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The best way to avoid this pest is by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered and that the humidity is low. It can be treated by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These are small insects that tend to gather in clusters on the leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap, causing distortion and yellowing of the leaves. The best way to avoid this pest is by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered, and by maintaining good air circulation around the plant. It can be treated by spraying the plant with water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap.
