Caring and Propagation Methods for麒麟花 (Euphorbia milii)
This introduction to麒麟花, also known as crown of thorns, will cover its care and propagation methods. Let's delve into the details provided by the editor.
麒麟花 is robust in nature and is one of the most suitable ornamental plants for urban balcony potted gardening. It is native to the tropics, thriving in sunny and warm, humid climates. It can tolerate drought but not shade; otherwise, excessive branching and leaf growth can result in no flowers or few flowers. It can withstand high temperatures and can spend the summer outdoors on the balcony. However, it is not cold-tolerant and requires a room temperature not lower than 15°C in winter to continue growing. If the temperature is too low, it will cause leaf drop and enter a dormant state. It can be grown on the balcony in spring, summer, and autumn, but must be moved indoors in winter to survive.
Caring for麒麟花 is relatively relaxed. The soil used for cultivation should be a loose, fertile mix with a higher sand content, as overly heavy soil can cause root rot. Watering can be done every 2-3 days in spring and autumn, waiting for the soil to slightly dry before watering, and never overwatering, especially during flowering, as excessive moisture can cause flower drop and root rot. Accumulated water should be removed promptly during the rainy season. Water once a day in summer, avoiding overly dry soil, as this can affect normal growth. In winter, water every 1-2 weeks to keep the soil moist. Fertilizing should be done from late April to the end of September, except during the high summer temperatures and rainy season, with a thin cake fertilizer solution applied every two weeks. To maintain a good plant shape, long branches can be pruned in June and July each year. The cuttings can produce two new shoots, which can bloom at the tips, and the cuttings can be used as cuttings. In winter, the potted plants should be moved to a sunny south-facing window to ensure adequate light, which can result in more and better flowers. In summer, it is prone to spider mite infestations and should be treated promptly with a low-concentration oxidized dimethoate or trichlorfon solution.
Propagation of麒麟花 is best done by cuttings. From May to June, cut 8 to 10 cm long cuttings from the top of the mother plant's branches, remove the white sap from the cut end, dip it in wood ash, and let it dry for 3 to 4 days before inserting it into clean sand. After planting, water sparingly to keep the soil half-dry, and it will root in about a month and a half. In the second spring, plant them in pots with minimal watering, only watering when dry, otherwise, it will cause root rot. Maintain a room temperature of about 10°C in winter to ensure safe overwintering.麒麟花 grows slowly, with new branches growing only 10 to 15 cm of new shoots each year. The cutting medium can be clean sand or a mixture of fine sand and rice husk ash in a 1:1 ratio. The cutting should be inserted to a depth of 3/4 cm. After planting, water thoroughly, and then keep the medium moist, which will allow the cuttings to root in about two months, and they can be potted by April to May of the following year.
This is a detailed introduction to the care and propagation methods of麒麟花. Did you get it?