Do you like Euphorbia plants? Do you know varieties that are not too showy? That is the case of the Euphorbia ammak, a plant that is not very well known but that can be perfect in a garden of cacti and succulents.
For this reason, on this occasion we want to talk to you about it in depth, so that you know its characteristics and above all what are the main care to have it in the garden, or in a pot, and that it lasts for many years. Go for it?
How is the Euphorbia ammak
The Euphorbia ammak is a succulent, but arboreal. That is to say, that its growth and development will make it look like a tree. It is native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen and was first described by Georg August Schweinfurth in 1899.
Physically, this plant closely resembles a tree-type cactus. That is, it has a trunk from which they will emerge as branches that will continue to develop throughout their lives. In fact, it is also known as the candelabra cactus, because it has that size.
These branches are yellowish-green in color and contrasts quite a bit with the thorns, which will be brown.
In its natural habitat it grows on sloping slopes., since it is used to sloping terrain. That is why having it in a pot in this way, or in a garden can be, in addition to being curious, the best thing for it to adapt.
Euphorbia ammak care
Source: CalPhotos
Now that you know a little more about Euphorbia ammak, how about we talk to you about its care? Although it is not easy to find in the market (you have to look carefully in specialized stores), you will find it and you can have it at home. But, so that it does not deteriorate, what we recommend is the following.
location and temperature
All Euphorbias are characterized by needing as much sunlight as possible, the better. There are only a few exceptions and in the case of Euphorbia ammak this is not the case. That is, you will need to place it in the place of the house, preferably the garden, where it has more sunlight, a minimum of 8 hours, but if it is more, much better.
This already gives you an idea that you will have to expose it abroad. Now, if you put it in the garden or in a pot it will be independent. The only thing that will vary is the growth you have (in a pot it will reach a maximum of 2 meters; in the garden it can double that height), as well as the care in terms of soil and irrigation.
Regarding the temperature, you will not have any problem, neither because of the cold nor because of the heat. Of course, when the frosts are very frequent and continuous, it could have some problems, especially with humidity.
Substratum
You’re in luck because Euphorbia ammak isn’t very picky about the soil you use with it. As long as you give it a well-drained soil, it will withstand whatever you throw at it.
In this sense, We recommend a mixture of cactus soil with extra drainage or a universal substrate. Both go very well when mixed with perlite, orchid soil or similar to make it looser.
Irrigation
Although the Euphorbia ammak is a succulent plant, the truth is that He doesn’t like spending a lot of time without water.. The problem is that if you go too far with watering, it won’t do it well either.
In general, you should water it once a week when it is growing. When not, once every 3-4 weeks will suffice. However, it does not mean soaking it with water (that will only cause the roots to rot).
Try to water with little water and always making sure that you have at least the first 5 centimeters of the surface dry.
Now, you have to take into account another factor: humidity. In the growth period there will be no problem, but in other seasons it does need sufficient humidity since it can be nourished through it.
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In general, Euphorbia ammak is not a plant that needs fertilizer to thrive. But if you want to throw it out, you will have to wait until you notice that the leaves at the base of the plant begin to change, as if it lacked nutrients. You will notice this if they start to turn yellowish.
Use a liquid fertilizer mixed with the water and apply it only once a year (twice if the plant is weak).
pruning
Unlike other succulents, Euphorbia ammak does require some pruning, especially if after winter you notice that it has damaged stems. The plant will try to replace them and that will mean a lost energy expenditure that can damage the plant and make its health worse.
That’s why it’s best to cut them. and equally you will have to cut some stems at the time it blooms to prevent it from weakening and at the same time stimulate good flowering as well as the appearance of new foliage.
Yes indeed, You must have gloves and protective glassesnot only because of the thorns, but because when cut, a milky white substance will come out of the stem, latex sap, which is quite poisonous and irritating.
Multiplication
The propagation of the Euphorbia ammak can be done in several different ways. On the one hand, you have the seeds. This is unusual and in fact quite difficult to germinate; that is why experts do not recommend this method unless you have experience in the subject.
On the other hand, we have the cuttings, and here you will have much more success. To do this, and always equipped with gloves and protective glasses, you will have to cut them (from pruning) and let them dry between 2 and 3 days. Then you must plant them in moss or similar (This is important because on land they would not directly have a chance of surviving).
While they are in moss they will develop the root. Yes indeed, be sure to mist it often so they are always moist. Even with a bag you can create a greenhouse effect; but at least two hours a day you will have to let it air out.
Once they have roots and you see that they are beginning to get ahead, you can transplant them into a pot.
Do you have questions about Euphorbia ammak?
