Euphorbia guentheri, also called sausage spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae native to eastern Africa. Euphorbia guentheri is more low-growing, sprawling, and spiny, whereas Euphorbia ritchiei and Euphorbia succulenta are more upright, less spiny, and sometimes more colorful in its bracts.
Euphorbia guentheri has moderate resistance to disease but is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to illnesses when humidity is high and is prone to root rot during its dormant phase. Regarding care, Euphorbia guentheri tolerates drought yet requires increased watering in the active growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or halted entirely while it is dormant. Euphorbia guentheri is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, especially during dormancy. It is particularly well suited to those who can dedicate time to its care over the winter months.
How to keep Euphorbia Guentheri.
Light
Euphorbia guentheri, native to dry regions, does best in full sun; its natural habitat features intense sunlight and very little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.
Water
Euphorbia guentheri thrives in dry conditions and is highly tolerant of drought. It requires watering only once every three weeks. For best growth, it should be planted in well-draining soil to prevent overwatering and root rot, mimicking its natural arid habitat.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Euphorbia guentheri tolerates some heat but mainly does well and grows in cooler seasons, going dormant in summer. In hot summer temperatures it should be given shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Water should be reduced or stopped during the hottest part of the year to prevent root rot. The plant grows vigorously in winter and spring, and as long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For Euphorbia guentheri, give light applications of fertilizer one to two times a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.
Pot & Repot
Repot Euphorbia guentheri in the warmer months, picking a pot only slightly larger than the current one that provides good drainage. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Handle the roots and caudex gently during repotting. After repotting, wait about a week before watering to avoid root rot. Position it in a sunny location for best growth.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Kenya
Other names.
