If you like to grow shrub-type succulents that grow straight upwards and produce beautiful flowers. Then you definitely grow cat tails euphorbia.
It may look like a cactus but this is a succulent plant that likes to live in little dry conditions.
Give it less water, warm weather, and plenty of bright light for strong growth. Below is the ultimate grow guide, follow the steps and grow a healthy cat tails euphorbia plant.
About the plant
This succulent plant is a fast-growing plant. This means it needs a good amount of fertilizer and water to grow. If you give it the proper care it can reach its maximum of its height in 3 to 4 years. In open fields, it grows 12 to 14 feet tall and in containers, it only gains 4 to 6 feet height.
People often called it a stick cactus because it has long stick-like upward-growing stems. In actuality it is not a cactus it is a succulent plant that looks like a cactus.
It produces pale green stems and nice lime green leaves.
In the summer season, it produces heart-shaped fruits and attractive small-size flowers.
Light Needs
Cat tails euphorbia need plenty of direct sunshine to grow healthy. It can easily grow in full sun which means you do not need to worry about sunburn. In fact, in full sun, it grows to its fullest and gives you nice-looking flowers and heart-shaped fruits.
In low light, the stems of the plants grow stretchy. This destroys the beauty of the plants. For good compacted growth expose it to direct sunlight.
Grow it outside or find a sunny spot in your house. It needs 8 hours of light per day.
To full fill, its light needs you should move the pot outside in spring and summer. This will also encourage compact growth and increase leaf production.
To grow it in dark spots you need to install 300 to 600 watts grow lights. Choose LED grow lights because they produce the full spectrum of light. And cat tails need full-ban light waves to grow.
Potting soil
Succulents like Cat tails euphorbia needs fast-draining soil. Their roots get infected in water-logged soil. Any formula that contains general-purpose potting soil and perlite is dangerous for the plant.
You should choose sand-based potting soil with a few ounces of perlite in it.
This type of soil is necessary for caring for Cat tails.
The soil must not hold an extra amount of water. Any extra drop of water is deadly for your growing succulent plants. These plants have the DNA to survive in a little bit dry conditions. Garden soil is of course not recommended for Cat tails euphorbia care and propagation.
It became wet when watered.
Watering Cat Tails Euphorbia
Like other succulent plants, it also needs less water and enjoys little dry conditions. But this does not mean you do not water it for weeks.
Succulents like a balanced watering routine. Whenever you feel the potting soil is getting dry or the top few inches are already dry then add some water in the pot. Otherwise, wait for the soil to become dry.
Do not forget that extra water in the pot is the common cause of cat tails death.
Fungus infection in the root zone is the main problem that is triggered by wet soil. Also, use water that is comfortable for plants. In simple words, the water should be at room temperature and free from debris.
Water that contains high chlorine content is not suitable for watering succulents.
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Fertilizing
To boost the production of healthy stems and flowers fertilize your Cattails euphorbia once a month. Choose special succulent fertilizer or general houseplant liquid fertilizer.
Dilute the solution to its half strength and then pour directly into the base of the plant.
For outdoor growing Cat Tails plants, fertilizer them with using organic slow-releasing fertilizer. A powdered form of organic nutrients is best for outdoor growing plants.
Any amount of extra dose will cause serious problems to it. Leaf burn and darkening of the stems are the main symptoms of fertilizer burn.
Temperature & Humidity
50 to 65 degrees F is the temperature range for the winter season. If you are growing a hybrid variety of cat tails then it can tolerate low temperatures up to 25 degrees F. But only for the limited time frame. After that, the plant starts suffering from cold strokes.
The high summer temperature is good for these plants. They thrive in high temperatures which means no more worries about temperature stress or heat stroke. Succulent never faces heat stroke-like problems these are more common in rainforest plants.
The general home humidity is ideal for the cat tails varieties.
If you feel that your plants need increased humidity you can use the pebble tray technique. Also mist water on the succulent stems.
Repotting
Repot it once in 2 years or whenever you see roots visible on the top layer of the soil.
For repotting you must use a terracotta pot that has a draining hole at the bottom of the pot. The material of the pot is porous and has fine holes in it. These holes are not visible to the naked eyes. But they are beneficial because they allow the water to drain quickly. Also, improve the circulation of fresh air.
I do not prefer using plastic pots. They look stylish but they do not increase the airflow. Root rot problem is more common in plants that grow in plastic pots.
Propagation
Some plants are easy to grow from seeds but succulents take time to germinate.
Therefore, propagating it from stem cutting is an easy and fast solution. You need to select the fine disease-free stem and cut it 4 to 5 inches long.
Then dip it in the rooting hormone and place it above the potting soil.
Place the pot in a warm location, and regularly mist water on the soil to keep it moist. While taking the cut you need to work carefully. Because the sap of the plant has toxic properties. It can cause skin irritations.
Once you see the new roots on cutting then you can transfer it to the potting soil and give it proper care.
Conclusion
Cat tails euphorbia is easy to grow and maintain. All you need to do is give it bright sunlight for the maximum hours of the day.
For better colorful flowers and vibrant stems fertilize it with organic nutrient supplements.
This succulent is not cold tolerant so protect it from cold wind and cold weather. Give it nice care and it will shine your home.
