Euphorbia baioensis is part of the Euphorbiaceae family and its native range is Kenya where it grows as a succulent subshrub in the desert or dry shrubland biome. It is made up of grey-green cylindrical stems which are either upright or decumbent and branching at the base. They have 8 to 10 ribs with a pair of spines on each spine shield. Flowers are small, pale yellow, and appear from spring to summer.
Genus name comes from the Latin euphorbea, named after Euphorbus, Greek physician to the reputed discoverer of the plant (King Juba II of Numidia). The specific epithet refers to the Baio, the mountain in Kenya where the species was first discovered.
Euphorbia are toxic and contain a milky sap which can cause severe skin irritation & eye pain, keep out of reach of pets and children.
Light: Allow the plant to see the sun for as many hours of the day as possible; Euphorbia require direct light to grow well.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out completely in between waterings; Euphorbia store the water they need for photosynthesis inside their stems. Before watering, aerate the potting mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite and horticultural sand or pumice. Euphorbia only need repotting every 2-3 years.
Fertilising: Feed every few waterings during the growing season. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Spring and summer 18-30˚C, autumn and winter 10-13˚C
Humidity: Average humidity; if the humidity is particularly high, good ventilation is key to prevent mildew and fungal disease.
Euphorbia are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.