Euphorbia ingens is part of the Euphorbiacae family, its native range is Eritrea to S. Africa. This spiny succulent has a sturdy main stem with an obconical crown. Branches of Euphorbia ingens are usually distinctly and shortly segmented.
Genus name comes from the Latin euphorbea, named after Euphorbus, the Greek physician to the reputed discoverer of the plant (King Juba II of Numidia).
This plant is one of the more poisonous spurges; the latex is very bitter and acrid, containing diterpenes and is considered highly toxic. Sap causes severe skin irritation & severe eye pain, including temporary blindness that can last several days. All parts are highly toxic, possibly fatal, if ingested.
Pot: ø 17cm.
Height: Approximately 45cm in height.
Light: Allow the plant to see the sun for as many hours of the day as possible; the plant ought to be able to see sun from where it is positioned in the home.
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.
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.