If you’re planning on growing euphorbia in your home or garden, learn how to propagate euphorbia now so you can increase your chances of success. According to the International Euphorbia Society, there are about 7,500 species of Euphorbia in the world making it one of the largest species of succulents in the world. Euphorbias, also known as Spurge, are succulents that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
With a lot of varieties out there, it can be overwhelming for gardeners to choose which one best one for their garden. Euphorbia pulcherrima, or poinsettia, is the most common type of euphorbia grown in most gardens. They can produce flowers that range from white to Christmas red.
Propagating Euphorbia in 3 Ways
Euphorbias are grown all over the world. But it’s more common in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North and South America. With the right conditions, you can easily grow and propagate euphorbia in your garden. There are three ways in which you can do it: Leaf cuttings, seed propagation, and stem cuttings.
Technique #1: Leaf cuttings
Euphorbia varieties like Euphorbia francoisii, Euphorbia cylindrifolia, and Euphorbia ankarensis are just some of the many that can be successfully grown from leaf cuttings. Follow this step by step guide in propagating euphorbia through stem cuttings:
Step #1: Place the leaves in cubes of rock wool
Gently pull the leaves back of your euphorbia plant and place it on cubed rock wool. Placing them in cubes of rock wool will increase the euphorbia cutting’s chances for survival.
Step #2: Dip them into the rooting hormone
Dip the leaf-cutting into a rooting hormone powder to encourage the growth and establishment of new roots.
Step #3: Place the rock wool on a tray
Place your rock wool with euphorbias on a tray lined with moist coarse sand.
Step #4: Use a plastic cover to cover the plant
Cover the plant with a plastic cover to encourage an increase in the humidity which your Euphorbia will require.
Once you’ve completed that, your euphorbia plants’ roots should start growing and establishing roots within a month or so.
Technique #2: Seed propagation
Another way to propagate your Euphorbia is through seed propagation. The chances of success when propagating from seeds are lower compared to when you’re growing them from cuttings Nevertheless, here’s how it works:
Step #1: Soak the seeds in water and dry them
Once you’re sure that the final frost is gone, you can start the planting process for your euphorbias. To start, soak seeds in water for 24 hours, making sure to change the water every 12 hours. Take out the seeds and allow them to air dry.
Step #2: Choose the right kind of soil
Prepare a mixture of well-drained, sandy soil in a pot and cover your seeds lightly with the soil.
Step #3: Water properly
Water your plant lightly and make sure not to overwater them. The germination phase can take about 3 to 6 months when propagating from seeds, so patience is needed in the process.
Technique #3: Stem cuttings
The most common way to propagate euphorbias is through stem cuttings. It’s because it’s the quickest way to grow a new plant. Plus, growing plants from cuttings are more likely to produce a plant that’s identical to the parent plant.
Here’s how you can propagate euphorbia from stem cuttings:
Step #1: Wear gardening gloves
Put on gardening gloves to avoid being punctured with the thorns of your plant.
Step #2: Remove 3 inches of the plant’s tip
Using a sharp, clean knife, remove at least 3-inches of your plant’s tip. The milky sap may leak out of the stem, so be sure to put them on a jar of water until it stops leaking.
Step #3: Allow the stem cutting to dry
Take the stem cutting out of the jar and allow it to dry for at least 2 to 3 days.
Step #4: Dip the cutting on a rooting hormone
Once it’s dry, dip the stem cutting on a rooting hormone to speed up the development of the roots. With a container full of moist, well-drained potting soil, place your stem cutting at least 1/3 of an inch into the soil.
Step #5: Check it daily
Check the plant daily to ensure that the soil isn’t dry.
Step #6: Place it in a warm area
Place the container with the cutting in a warm area.
With stem cuttings, you can expect the roots to be developing within a month.
Using a Semi Pro Greenhouse to Grow Succulents
Semi pro greenhouses offer a wide range of benefits for people looking to grow succulents. Here are some of them:
Control amount of water
By placing your succulents inside your semi pro greenhouse, you’ll protect them from damage caused by the excessive amount of water from the rainfall. You’ll be able to control the amount of water they get each day to ensure that they will remain strong and healthy.
Keep the heat during colder months
Succulents won’t be able to survive in an environment where the temperature is below freezing. With a semi pro greenhouse, you will have a place to store your succulents in and make sure that they receive the heat that they need to continue growing during the winter season.
Protection from pest
Common pests that can feed on your succulents include mealy bugs, scale, spider mites, and aphids. However, if you grow your plant inside a semi pro greenhouse, you’ll minimize the chances of infestations and if infestations do happen, it will be easier for you to control it. This also lessens the need for you to spray toxic insecticides on your plants.
How to Propagate Euphorbia Successfully: Final Thoughts
Euphorbia, when grown and propagated using the proper practices can be a great addition to your garden or greenhouse. If you’re wondering how to propagate euphorbia successfully, just follow the instructions given above. With time, you’ll eventually see the fruits of your labor and enjoy a landscape covered with colorful Euphorbia flowers.