How does Euphorbia milii survive the winter?

Euphorbia milii is native to Madagascar in Africa. It is a typical tropical plant that has high temperature requirements. Its cold resistance is relatively poor, so some measures need to be taken in winter to ensure its safe wintering. So how does Euphorbia milii survive the winter? Let’s learn more about it below.

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1. Temperature control

Euphorbia milii is not cold-resistant, and the temperature in winter should be kept above 3°C to avoid frost damage. If conditions permit, it is best to keep the temperature around 15℃, so that Euphorbia milii can not only survive the winter safely, but also continue to grow and bloom.

2. Lighting management

Euphorbia milii likes light, and the light is soft in winter, so it should be placed in a place with sufficient light, such as a windowsill indoors or a sunny place outdoors. Insufficient light may cause the leaves to turn yellow and affect flowering.

3. Moisture points

In winter, Euphorbia milii enters a dormant state and its water demand is greatly reduced. At this time, the frequency of watering should be controlled to keep the soil slightly dry to avoid excessive water accumulation and prevent root damage. When watering, generally follow the principle of "watering when dry and watering when wet".

4. Fertilization points

Winter is the dormant period of Euphorbia milii, and the demand for fertilizer is lower. If the indoor temperature can be maintained above 15℃ and you want the Euphorbia milii to continue to grow and bloom, you can apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers or compound fertilizers in appropriate amounts. Otherwise, it is recommended to stop fertilizing to avoid fertilizer damage.

5. Proper pruning

In winter, Euphorbia obesa can also be pruned appropriately, but the temperature must be ensured not to be lower than the growth conditions (above 15°C). The main thing is to prune branches that are too dense, too long, infected with diseases and pests, too thin, and old. In order to make the plant look beautiful, it is necessary to trim off the remaining flowers in time.

6. Pest and disease control

The indoor environment is relatively closed in winter, which is prone to the breeding of diseases and pests. The leaves and branches of Euphorbia milii should be checked regularly to detect and deal with pests and diseases in a timely manner. For example, powdery mildew can be controlled with methyl thiophanate, mancozeb , carbendazim and other pesticides, while red spider mites can be controlled with spirodiclofen, spirotetramat, clofentezine and other pesticides.

In general, the key to Euphorbia milii's wintering lies in temperature and light control, appropriate water and fertilizer management, proper pruning, and attention to disease and pest control. As long as you master these key points, you can let Euphorbia milii successfully survive the cold winter and regain its vitality when the spring comes.