This tall, white succulent is characterized by its deep ribs and dark spines. Its ribs have the potential to grow either straight or wavy as it matures. Additionally, it produces dark purple flowers during the late spring and summer months.
Table of Contents
Care and Propagation Information
Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ is a perfect pick for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their collection, but it should be handled with precaution due to its toxic sap that can cause skin irritation.
Watering
Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ should be watered using the “soak and dry” technique, where the soil is allowed to become completely dry before the next watering. This is the standard practice for caring for a succulent of this type.
Where to Plant
Snowflake is not suitable for areas with cold temperatures below 20° Fahrenheit (-6.7° Celsius). To ensure it survives in these climates, it is best to keep it in a pot and bring it indoors when necessary. This succulent thrives in direct or indirect sunlight.
How to Propagate Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’
Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ is known for its rapid reproduction, forming many new offsets. Exercise caution when removing them, as succulent spines can be sharp. Refer to the instructions in this post to learn the best way to handle these prickly plants safely.
To propagate a clump, you will need nitrile gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp knife.
Rephrase: Using the tongs, grasp one of the cylindrical stems and carefully remove it from the main cluster. If the stem is too stubborn to pull away without taking the rest of the plant with it, use the knife to sever it.
Wait a few days for the cut end of the stem to form a protective layer, then put it in a pot with soil that has good drainage.
Seeds
Gather the seeds from the fruit of Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ and sow them in a soil mixture that drains well. If your region has a climate zone of 9a or higher, you can sow them directly outside. If you live in a cooler area, you may need to start the seeds indoors by using a grow light or a heat mat.
Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’
Watering
Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ should be watered using the “soak and dry” technique, where the soil is allowed to become completely dry before the next watering. This is the standard practice for caring for a succulent of this type.
Where to Plant
Snowflake is not suitable for areas with cold temperatures below 20° Fahrenheit (-6.7° Celsius). To ensure it survives in these climates, it is best to keep it in a pot and bring it indoors when necessary. This succulent thrives in direct or indirect sunlight.
How to Propagate Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’
Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ is known for its rapid reproduction, forming many new offsets. Exercise caution when removing them, as succulent spines can be sharp. Refer to the instructions in this post to learn the best way to handle these prickly plants safely.
To propagate a clump, you will need nitrile gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp knife.
Rephrase: Using the tongs, grasp one of the cylindrical stems and carefully remove it from the main cluster. If the stem is too stubborn to pull away without taking the rest of the plant with it, use the knife to sever it.
Wait a few days for the cut end of the stem to form a protective layer, then put it in a pot with soil that has good drainage.
Seeds
Gather the seeds from the fruit of Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ and sow them in a soil mixture that drains well. If your region has a climate zone of 9a or higher, you can sow them directly outside. If you live in a cooler area, you may need to start the seeds indoors by using a grow light or a heat mat.
FAQ
What do you do if you get Euphorbia sap on your skin?
To reduce itching and blistering, use cool, damp cloths, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream on the affected area. Read the instructions on the products before applying them.
Is Euphorbia toxic to humans?
Euphorbia tirucalli, often referred to as the pencil cactus or milk bush plant, is widely used for decorative purposes in the southern United States, although its sap can be harmful to humans.
How do you remove Euphorbia sap from skin?
If you get sap on your skin, it’s important to wash the affected area as soon as possible using soap and water. If the sap has dried and hardened, it won’t come off with just water and you’ll need to use a soap or milk to loosen and remove it.
How do you treat Euphorbia sap?
If you get plant sap in your eye, it is important to immediately flush your eye with eyewash or saline solution to remove the foreign object and then seek medical advice from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, who will likely prescribe a topical corticosteroid eye drop to treat the irritation.
Is Euphorbia polygona toxic?
It is important to exercise caution when handling this plant and make sure that any contact with skin is minimized.
Be aware that Euphorbia Polygona is very dangerous. You should take extra precautions when handling it, as all parts of the plant are poisonous if swallowed. The milky sap produced by the plant can cause severe irritation to the skin, so it is important to minimize contact with it.