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Euphorbias are not only very attractive plants, but they have a big
advantage in that in general cultivation is easy and they are less susceptible
than many other succulent plants to pests and diseases. They are therefore
suitable for greenhouse cultivation or the window-sill.
Whether or not a plant is flourishing is not always apparent, but as
you get more experience with euphorbias, you get to know their growing
and rest periods and then more easily spot changes which might indicate
a problem. A reliable sign is change of colour, in particular pale or
deformed sections indicate pest damage or a lack of nutrients. Also
lack of growth can point to a problem – the main growing season
for most species is spring and autumn, with many plants taking a mid-summer
rest. The dropping of flowers usually means too much water, or a poorly
drained soil, whereas the drying off of flowers, especially with the
Madagascan species, indicates a lack of water. |
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