Re: striking Euphorbia rigida cuttings?

I agree with Moira that in order to get the same plant characteristics, you should take cuttings.
Euphorbia rigida is now making small basal growth while it's blooming, so this is what I would do. Using a small sharp knife like an Exacto, sever away one or two of the smallest ones trying to take some of crown with them. This is where most of the plant auxins are concentrated and gives you a better chance of rooting. Dry it out in shade for a day or so. Be sure not to bury this crown portion too deep in the rooting medium. Just press it in firmly and you may have to prop it up with skewers or something. 

Good luck and let us know what happens.
Jan Smithen


On Feb 12, 2008, at 11:35 AM, Sean A. O'Hara wrote:


Hi folks -
In my neighborhood, there is a plant of Euphorbia rigida that is really unusual: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hortulus_aptus/2213493392/in/pool- medit-garden The leaves are very lightly packed and arranged in a spiral fashion, some growing one way, some another. The owner has agreed that I could take some cuttings, but I can't recall striking cuttings from this type of Euphorbia before. Is there something special you need to do with latex sapped plants such as this? Does anyone have experience rooting cuttings from this species? Would layering be better? (or would it even work?). As you can see, the plant is coming into flower, so I may have a chance at obtaining some seeds 
(which may or may not come true).  Before I impose upon this person's
generosity, I thought I'd try and maximize my success.

Seán A. O'Hara
sean(at)gimcw.org
www.hortulusaptus.com
(ask about mediterranean climate gardening forum)
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