Picture via lazyflora
Basic Info
Euphorbia Lactea is also known as ‘Cristata’. In my opinion, this cactus is one of the stranger ones out there. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 91 cm (36″) tall and about 61 cm (24″) in diameter. The plants main feature is the large fan like cristata that grows from the top of the stem in white with pink edges.
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Genus: Euphorbia
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’
Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ is one of the more exciting plants to grow as a beginner, especially indoor. Although the plant has slightly smaller branched stems it can fan out, and that part is especially popular for new growers.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 91 cm (36″) tall
- Grows up to 61 cm (24″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 F)
- Best propagated by grafting
- Generally known to be harmful to people and animals
- Generally known to be Winter dormant
Where to Plant
Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor. Although growing indoor is easy if you follow one of our guides.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a which is around -1.1 °C (30 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’
Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ is not an easy plant to propagate, it takes a lot of effort for the grower. As the crested euphorbia Lactea is firmly grafted onto the root itself it can sometimes be challenging to understand what you must do.
I would advise you to only try grafting the succulent during Summer, as the plant is actively growing during that time.
It should be said that Euphorbia plants contain toxins that can cause skin irritation. So if attempting to propagating your Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ be sure to use gloves, and glasses when handling the plant.
Once you have found a healthy root on the plant make a cut into a “V” shape from the top of the plant. Continue to trim the stem of the Euphorbia Lactea ‘Cristata’ until it looks like an arrow.
Once this is done be sure to place both succulents together, secure them with wire and let it settle in. Next, you are going to want to place the plant into a room with enough sunlight for the next few weeks.
Be sure to look after your plant during this time, once the plant has finally joined together with you another plant, you can now move on and water the plant as recommended earlier.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
Origin and Habitat
Euphorbia Lactea or ‘Cristata’ is known to be crested form of the Euphorbia lactea
