The story of the spurge cactus
Since no fossils of cacti have yet been found, one can say: cacti are modern, highly developed plants. The history of cacti begins in 1472 with the discovery of America. The cactus was introduced to Europe by one of Christopher Columbus' expeditions.
Most cacti are found in Mexico, the southern United States, northern Chile, Peru and Bolivia. The spurge cactus or western cactus is a plant species of the genus spurge from the spurge family Euphorbiaceae.
The cacti are an integral part of the old Western films. The spurge cactus is one of the most well-known among them and can reach incredible heights.
The correct location of your milkweed cactus
The spurge cactus does not tolerate extremes, neither full shade nor the blazing midday sun. Nevertheless, he is welcome to stand in a place with a lot of light or in partial shade. A covered patio or window with sun protection during midday is perfect for this plant. Of course, he can also stand in the conservatory.
Temperature is just as important as light. The spurge cactus tolerates normal room temperatures and in summer it can also be placed outside. However, you should avoid excessively large and abrupt temperature differences. If it is in a warm location during the day, it should never be in a continuously open window at night.
An equally important factor when choosing a location is the space at the top. The spurge cactus can grow quickly and should not be restricted by obstacles. So make sure it has enough space to unfold.
The spurge cactus can also reach incredible weight. This weight does not come from the roots, but from the shoots. The cactus can therefore tend to wobble and is not 100% stable. Favorable locations are therefore corners or places close to walls, so that no accidents happen.
Tip: You can use ribbons to attach the shoots and the pot of your large western cactus to the wall. He can't fall like this.
Caring for your spurge cactus
The spurge cactus is actually very undemanding, there are a few things to consider when buying the soil and watering your cactus.
The right soil for your spurge cactus
Wolf Cactus requires nutrient-rich soil. It should be loose and permeable to prevent waterlogging. One part plant soil and one part cactus soil is perfect.
Of course you can also just use potting soil and loosen it up with some sand or coconut fibers. In any case, your cactus should be protected from moisture. So make sure that the irrigation water can drain off completely.
This is how you water the spurge cactus
Since the western cactus is very sensitive to waterlogging, the water in the cachepot should always be removed. Only pour the irrigation water in small amounts on the soil and wait for the substrate to absorb the moisture. Then keep watering until you see the first drops of water on the bottom of the cachepot.
It's best to wait until the soil has dried before giving it the next watering. Usually it is enough to water the soil every 2 weeks.
Fertilize spurge cactus
The spurge cactus can be supplied with cactus fertilizer from April to September. A monthly fertilization should suffice.
Repotting your spurge cactus
You can repot your cactus every 2 years or when it starts to get a little shaky.
Propagate Spurge Cactus: Spurge Cactus Offshoot
If you want to propagate your spurge cactus, you can easily remove a shoot with a sharp knife. The most important thing is that you wear gloves, because the white milk of the cactus , the "spurge," is highly toxic and can also cause skin irritation.
If you have now removed a shoot, you must let it dry in a shady and evenly warm place for a few days. If you put it fresh in the ground, it can start to rot.
After drying, the soil for the cutting should also be quite dry. You can use ready-made cactus soil to grow your cactus. Under the right conditions, your cutting will root very quickly.
Keep it fairly dry for the first few weeks and don't water it too often. A place on the dry, warm window sill would be very suitable here.
Is the spurge cactus poisonous?
Yes, the sap of the spurge cactus is very toxic and can cause skin irritation. Make sure that neither children nor animals come into contact with it.
The right room for the spurge cactus
Your cactus likes a dry and light location. It is therefore less suitable for the bathroom. It should also have plenty of space above, so it looks very good in a Berlin apartment building. In a bright corner of your living room, he's sure to be very happy.
Tips for problems with your milkweed cactus
The biggest problem is overwatering. If your spurge cactus starts to rot, then it has received too much water. Better to give him too little water than too much. If rotten spots have already formed, you can try to cut off the affected spots and maybe you'll save him with it.
Of course we also have a western cactus or spurge cactus for you. You can easily buy it from us in the shop
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