Euphorbia Eritrea Emerald Ripples Cactus (euphorbiaceae) – Ripples is a very large deep green, African Euphorbia with five sided wavy edges sporting sharp spines. This single trunked Euphorbia is perfect for the drought tolerant urban garden, planted away from foot traffic. This plant is very widely used in landscapes around the Caribbean, mature height is around 12 feet. These unique plants are easy and fun to grow simply water when dry.
The growth rate of Eritrea Emerald Ripples will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
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OUTDOOR
Zone 10a-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
70-90%
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POT SIZE
4″ Round
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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Euphorbias, aka “Tropical Cactus” are fast growing perennial cactus-like plants that withstand more neglect than almost any other plant. Euphorbia add a wonderful accent to any tropical garden or xeriscape. It is best to wear gloves when handling euphorbias, the milky sap is similar to that of poinsettias and fig trees is a strong irritant, quickly wash off any milky sap that gets on your skin. As with most houseplants, be aware if you have children and pets. In cooler zones a containerized Euphorbia can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
When you receive your new Euphorbia, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a tray and moving it to a shady location, simply water when dry. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Euphorbia.
All Euphorbia varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Allow enough room for growth, for larger varieties a 8″ to a 12″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Euphorbia will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
Eritrea Emerald Ripples Euphorbia enjoy a well drained, organic cactus mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from wet or mucky soils.
To help establish your new Eritrea Emerald Ripples Euphorbia, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This Euphorbia requires 70-90% sunlight. Depending on your location partial sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Eritrea Emerald Ripples Euphorbia should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
At the nursery these Euphorbia are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this Euphorbia in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
Before leaving, Euphorbia are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.