Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’

General Care for Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata'

Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata' is great for indoor and beginner growers. While Euphorbia lactea is not mutated, and has smaller branched stems, ‘Cristata' has a rare mutation which causes it to “crest” or fan out, and is loved by collectors.

‘Cristata' does not flower often, if ever. Those that do typically have pink or purple flowers. It is native to Africa.

Watering

Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata' has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water less during the winter.

Where to Plant

‘Cristata' is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. When grown outdoors, be sure to plant in partial sun to partial shade. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

Additional information

Cristata is Latin for “crested.”

How to Propagate Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata'

Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata' is not easily propagated. The crested Euphorbia lactea is grafted onto the root stock of Euphorbia neriifolia or sometimes Euphorbia canariensis. The best time to graft your succulent will be in the Summer, when it is actively growing.

After selecting a healthy root stock, cut a “V” into the top of the plant. Trim the stem of ‘Cristata' to form an arrow. Places the two succulents together, and secure them together with twine or butcher's string.

Allow the plant to sit in a warm room with bright sunlight for several weeks. Check your graft after this time; if the plants have healed and joined, you can carefully move it to where you will be growing it. Water as usual.

If the graft looks like it has not completely healed, tie fresh twine around it, and allow it to sit for another week or two.