Milk Mile: Care, Conditions and Reproduction

Euphorbia is a genus of plants from the family of euphorbia. In appearance, they can be grass, shrubs or stunted trees. The appearance of the stem and leaves is so different, and an ignorant person at the sight of some varieties will never guess that the plant belongs to the family of euphorbia. However, all representatives of this genus have a distinctive feature - white milky juice. About 120 species are used as ornamental ones, among them Mila Milk. This species is endemic to the island of Madagascar, but at the same time it is successfully grown in other countries on window sills, in greenhouses or in greenhouses. Some growers call it the "Crown of Thorns." There is a belief that it was the Milk Milk that was used for Jesus Christ as a crown.

Characteristics of the plant

Milk Mile (euphorbia milii) is a shrub with branched stems, which can reach a height of 1.8 meters. In appearance, it can be mistaken for a cactus. The stems are slightly ribbed, have a grayish shade. Leaves appear together with spines in the clusters only on young shoots. Over time, the dried leaves fall off. Spines on the stems harden and remain with the plant for the entire life.

Flowers euphorbia milii nondescript, but surrounded by bright leaves. Inflorescences are composed of several flowers in the number from two to four. Are located on a special stalk, which protrudes above the leaves and spines.

Growth conditions

Milk Mile, like other plants of the genus, does not like direct sunlight. Lighting should be bright, but diffused. Although it is believed that this species is not afraid of the sun's rays.

For good growth it is necessary to try to observe the temperature regime. The optimum air temperature is 25-26 ° C. In the summer, you can safely take out on the street, if there is such an opportunity. Euphorbia does not require regular abundant watering, and is also not afraid of dry air. The soil is needed sod-clay with the addition of leaf and sand.

Juvenile care

Watering is carried out approximately the same way as for cacti - 1-2 times a week. If the plant receives too much water or is in a humid environment, it may die. In winter, watering should be minimal.

When grown in domestic or greenhouse conditions Milk Millet needs to be fed. It can be produced only in the period from spring to autumn, not more often than once a month. This will require fertilizers for cacti, they are produced by many companies. The main thing is that they contain cytokinins, auxins, vitamins B, C, humic acids, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen.

Milk Mile: Reproduction

The plant multiplies in several ways: by seeds and cuttings. At home, the first method is practically impossible. But still you can try. Seed seeds should be put in a container with a nutritious soil mixture and slightly pressed. Cover the pot with glass or film. It is necessary to check the presence of moisture in the ground and add, if necessary, using an atomizer. Sprouted seeds, or rather sprouts, are neatly transplanted into pots.

From the cuttings to grow spurge much easier. In the second half of the summer, the lateral processes are cut off from the main stems. It is necessary to lower the place of the cut into warm water to make a stack of milky juice. Also it needs to be treated with charcoal and leave the cutting to dry. Three days later, the dried out process is planted in a pot with a sandy-peat soil mix.

Plant transplantation

Both young and adult plants, which are grown at home, require transplantation after a certain period of time. This makes it possible to replace the depleted soil and give the flower to develop a more powerful root system. This, in turn, will contribute to the growth of new shoots. Milk Mile at a young age is transplanted annually into a container that is slightly larger than the previous one. Adult plants are transplanted every three years. This operation is carried out in the spring. Pots for milkweed should be shallow, but wide.

Pests and diseases

No matter how unpretentious the plant may be, it may have various diseases or pests. For those who do not know what the sickly Milk Milk looks like, photos in the books on gardening and floriculture will help. Of the parasites most commonly planted aphids, whitefly, spider mite, scutellum. It is necessary to remove insects mechanically, that is, manually and with the help of improvised means. The plant should be treated with preparations containing parametrin. "Decis", "Fitoverm", "Derris" are also suitable. Affected leaves need to be removed.

If the plant has ceased to grow, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, most likely, if all the conditions of care are met, the root mealybug is wound up. If the fungus already exists, it can be clearly seen on the roots. Whitish clusters, similar to flour, are confused with something else. The pot must be disinfected, the earth must be replaced. The diseased plant, more precisely its roots, gently washed with insecticide solution. If there is no possibility to replace the ground, then it is possible to boil the old one. Only after this it will be necessary to add mineral fertilizers to it.

The most difficult thing is to get rid of spider mites. An integrated approach is required: from treating milk with water with household soap and increasing the humidity around the plant and before applying various acaricides. Which of them apply depends on the temperature in the room. The treatment should be done once every 10 days. Sometimes it is easier to grow a new Milk Millet, than to cure an old one from a tick.