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bblkj




Number of posts : 1
Location : Sydney
Registration date : 2013-12-30

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PostSubject: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 10:11 am

So recently, I received my first cactus as a Christmas present, and I have to say, I'm rather attached.

What is it? Img_6713

Problem is, however, the card that came with it just gave me general information on Succulents in general, and provides little information when it comes to identifying this cactus.

Because this is my first privately owned cactus, I have no idea how to take care of it properly, and the internet research I have done hasn't told me much as I don't know what kind of cactus it is.

So now I'm more than slightly paranoid I might accidentally cause the poor thing to sunburn, freeze, rot, spontaneously combust, or any of the other delightful ways I could destroy this plant.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

-L
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SneakyCuttlefish
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SneakyCuttlefish


Number of posts : 705
Location : FNQ
Registration date : 2012-12-11

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PostSubject: Re: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 12:06 pm

This is Euphorbia enopla. It is a succulent that happens to look a lot like a cactus. It was one of the first ones I got as well. This is a pretty easy one to look after and grow into some pretty impressive clumps.

If you are going to grow it outside, introduce it to sunlight slowly over a week or two. Its best to let the soil dry out completely between watering.  Water once a week during spring and early summer. If it gets stupidly hot for a while you can water more regularly. Water a lot less frequently during winter.

The standard cactus potting mix is o.k. but I always add an extra handful of coarse sand, blood 'n' bone and some gypsum. Also its important to ensure the pot it is in, has lots of holes for drainage.

Hope that helps a bit.


Last edited by SneakyCuttlefish on Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:08 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Navajoa
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Navajoa


Number of posts : 599
Location : Australia
Registration date : 2009-09-15

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PostSubject: Re: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 12:08 pm

Hello and Welcome !

Firstly, your plant is a succulent, but not a Cactus - It's a Euphorbia, hailing from South Africa.

Looks to be E. enopla or something similar to me. They're pretty hardy, can take bright sun, but if just bought you might want to bring it into the full sun slowly to avoid scorch - that is aclimatise it as it's probably been in a store under less bright conditions. Water once a week or so in Spring Summer and hold off water in the cold months. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in it, most succulents don't like wet feet!

Good luck - and remember one plant is usually just the start of the addiction ! Smile 
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Navajoa
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Navajoa


Number of posts : 599
Location : Australia
Registration date : 2009-09-15

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PostSubject: Re: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 12:09 pm

haha, sneaky cuttlefish was sneaky and beat me to it!  Wink
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supergirl

supergirl


Number of posts : 111
Location : Australia
Registration date : 2012-11-07

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PostSubject: Re: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 9:13 pm

Does this one have the characteristic sap common to most euphorbias? I have a similar looking plant (bit different though) which doesn't have milky sap and is a bugger to get to grow. I've had it a few years from a cutting, it has grown roots and seems fairly happy but I can't seem to kick it into growth mode. Most slow plants of mine have responded to a feed, and I've been giving it all the none-too-subtle hints that I can think of. Anyway back to the question of is it a Euphorbia if it doesn't have the horror sap?
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Cereoid

Cereoid


Number of posts : 137
Location : Sydney
Registration date : 2013-04-04

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PostSubject: Re: What is it?   What is it? EmptyMon Dec 30, 2013 9:46 pm

Probably E. enopla but possibly a close relative like E. ferox or something similar. I have an E. enopla and it does have the sap but it is relatively difficult to get it on you, except from on the very new spines (I think they're actually peduncles in this species).
It is one of the species that is inclined to grow in winter so it is fine with some winter water as long as you are careful to make sure it dries out between waterings.
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