Euphorbia lactea problems

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:54 pm

Hi,

I have serious problems with 2 euphorbia lactea, one variegated and the other veriegated crested. Both started going brown and mushy at the tips thoughout and it continuues to spread. The crest is history already and the other has undergone rather radical surgery. About half the time when I cut there is no latex.

Is this just some form of rot that manifests itself at the tips, not the base. I didn't water much, if at all, during the winter and the other euphorbias seem fine.

Thanks for any ideas.

Mike

Buck Hemenway · Post by **Buck Hemenway** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:36 pm

Mike,

I find them to be mysterious plants. Every time I think I've got them figured out, they get a little too much cold or wet and cold and start rotting on me.

The only thing I can say is, keep cutting down the stem until you get some sap. Check the roots and if they are in bad shape (probably) just leave it out keep it warm and dry until mid to late April (warm enough in SoCal) and root it like a cutting. My mentor (Harvey Welton) always says about euphorbia cuttings, that you can cut them in September, January, March or May and they will all glady root for you in May.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:11 am

Thanks buck, I have done some major surgery and we will see. Do you have the same issues wiht lactea - see my next post.
Mike

Dominique · Post by **Dominique** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 7:27 am

I had a beautiful crested variegated lactea grafted on pereskia. It appears it won't take any cold or humidity. Mine died a couple of months ago and it happened the very same to a friend who got one for Xmas. I have another friend who kept it at 15°C all winter long and it is OK.