Euphorbia tortirama care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Euphorbia tortirama

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 10 days

A summer grower: as a guide, water thoroughly two or three days after the soil has dried through, in the evening during the rainy season and midsummer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 14 days

As it cools, cut back to about one or two weeks after the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every month

Nearly dry while dormant: as a guide, lightly moisten the surface about once a month on a warm morning.

Light and placement for Euphorbia tortirama

From spring to fall, generally a sunny, breezy spot outdoors out of the rain; strong light keeps the twisted branches short, but shield the pot and caudex from harsh midsummer afternoon sun.

Overwintering Euphorbia tortirama

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

As a guide, bring it to a sunny window when nights fall below 10°C and keep it above 5°C; rest it dry, though care varies by plant and conditions.

Fertilizing and repotting Euphorbia tortirama

Fertilizer

Feed lightly as a guide: weak liquid fertilizer about monthly from May to September, or a little slow-release at spring repotting, and none from fall through winter, since excess stretches the branches.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Euphorbia tortirama

• Watered in the cold, the buried caudex rots.
• Too little light makes the branches thin, long and less twisted.
• Left in the long rains of early summer, it rots at the base from damp heat.

Tips for growing Euphorbia tortirama

• Use a fast-draining gritty mix and leave the top of the caudex above the soil to keep it from staying damp.
• The caudex grows long and downward, so a deep pot suits it.
• Wear gloves when repotting and rinse off any latex.

More caudex plant care guides

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• Fouquieria fasciculataFouquieria fasciculata
• Fouquieria formosaFouquieria formosa
• Fouquieria purpusiiFouquieria purpusii
• Fragrant burseraBursera fagaroides
• Madagascar palmPachypodium lamerei