Crested Elkhorn

Crested Elkhorn Care

Euphorbia lactea Cristata

What is the plant

Euphorbia lactea Cristata is a slow-growing ornamental succulent whose branches are arranged in a wavy pattern. The plant is primarily dark green in color with silvery gray patterns on top, although white, yellow, purple, and pink colors are also found.

Elkhorn is a leafless succulent shrub that grows vertically up to 90 cm (3 ft). Despite the similarity, the plant is not a cactus but two succulents joined together to form an unexpected symbiosis. The plant gets its appearance from the combination of looks of Euphorbia neriifolia and Euphorbia lactea.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

21°C - 29°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 12

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is worth watering when the top layer of the soil becomes dry. Use a hygrometer to check.
Pruning
Euphorbia does not need pruning or additional care.
Fertilizer
A slow-release fertilizer should be applied once a season. This is enough for the succulent to receive nutrients.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The plant prefers full light and partial shade, but it is important to reduce sun exposure on hot days to prevent burns.
Soil
The soil should be well-drained and contain gravel, sand, and perlite. You can use the mixture for succulents and cacti after reading the instructions on the package.
Propagation
Propagation involves cutting the V-shaped form in Euphorbia lactea and Euphorbia neriifolia, then joining the two pieces together with grafting wax. The plants would be grafted within a few weeks if everything went well.

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Temperature
Euphorbia lacteal Cristata can grow outdoors at temperatures of 60-85˚F (15-29°C) and should be moved indoors as cold weather sets in.
Container
The pot must have drainage holes and be of the appropriate size. Once every 2 years, the plant should be transplanted into a larger pot 3-5 cm (1-2 inches).
Fun fact
Gardeners love this plant, so they mass produce them for sale.