Wrinkled Leaved Spurge
Euphorbia decaryi is native to Madagascar and is endemic there. This slightly succulent member of the Euphorbiaceae family grows to a height of just 15 centimetres. The leaves can be more or less curled. It spreads by seeds and short runners (rhizomes).
Euphorbia decaryi is probably known as Wrinkled Leaved Spurge due to its wavy leaves.
How to care for Euphorbia decaryi
Light & temperature
Partly sunny with morning sun, evening sun and winter sun.
Euphorbia decaryi grows well in partially sunny locations with morning or evening sun. I have not yet been able to test whether it can also tolerate the hot afternoon sun of summer.
Room temperature all year round, not for longer periods below 50 °F (10 °C).
Wrinkled Leaved Spurge copes well with room temperature all year round. Overwintering at a temperature of around 59 °F (15 °C) can be helpful for the development of flowers.
Soil
Mineral or semi-mineral, pumice gravel, lava gravel.
The substrate should consist of at least 50% mineral components. I use a mix of peat-free vegetable soil, pumice gravel, lava gravel and bird sand at the bottom of the pot. I have covered this with pumice gravel.
Watering
Allow to nearly dry out.
The substrate should only be allowed to nearly dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly from late spring to the end of summer. Water until the substrate is saturated.
From late fall until spring, water only in small amounts. But even now it is good if the substrate only dries moderately and does not dry out.
Fertilizing
Occasionally from spring to early fall.
Liquid fertilizer for succulents or fertilizer for potted plants in half concentration can be given every four to eight weeks from spring to autumn.
Euphorbia “Nat Wong”
Euphorbia “Nat Wong” is a cross between Euphorbia milii (Christ’s thorn, crown of thorns) and Euphorbia decaryi. This hybrid can be distinguished from Euphorbia decaryi by its spiny stems.
Christ’s thorn is also native to Madagascar.
I grow Euphorbia “Nat Wong” as described above.
Categories: Succulents | Euphorbiaceae
