Euphorbia ritchiei subsp. ritchiei
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native
Mexico
Description
Euphorbia ritchiei is a perennial succulent plant up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. It forms short, thick, succulent stems, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide, with small spines, and it offsets freely and produces large, beautifully green leaves. The cyathia are hot pink. This beautiful species forms large clumps with time.
Environment
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil.
Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don t let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.
Landscape Uses
It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings and desert type landscape.
