Commonly called the ‘Snowflake Cactus’, Euphorbia Polygona is not a cactus at all. It is heavily ribbed with spines on the ridges and it will form a cylindrical body.
Over time it will form offsets and therefore create a small colony of plants.
It is almost disease and pest free and with its interesting growth habit makes a good specimen plant for growing in containers.
Care
Best grown in container this is a species that requires a free draining potting mix, however is not as drought tolerant as many other succulents.
- During summer regular watering is required, each week in hot weather.
- A little slow release fertiliser once a year is adequate.
- Position the plant in full sun with little protection from the hot afternoon sun in summer.
- Water from spring through summer as the growing medium dries and avoid long periods of dry soils. At the same time ensure that drainage is good. During winter dormancy, hold back on watering.
Propagation
Possible from seeds or by division of established clumps. When handling wear protection as the plant has a sap that is an irritant to skin and eyes.
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Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Euphorbia Polygona
- Common Name – Snowflake cactus
- Family – Euphorbiaceae
- Height – To .5 metre, usually smaller in cultivation to around 30 cm
- Spread – To around 15 – 30cm cm across over time
- Growth Rate – Slow
- Flowers – Deep Purple.
- Flowering Time – Spring
- Soil – Well drained
- Position – Full sun to part shade.