Re: striking Euphorbia rigida cuttings?

Sean:
 
Are we assuming this is an aberrant E. rigida because it was purchased as such or because it is among others of that species or because it was a seedling volunteer of that species that was already growing there?
 
Is it not possible that this is another species of Euphorbia?  I know of some others that look roughly like E. rigida but have tigher foliage and such.
 
Joe

Jan Smithen <jsmithen@verizon.net> wrote:
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)
>
>




Joe Seals
Landscape Designer, Horticultural Consultant
Pismo Beach, California
Cell: 805-550-9272
Home/Office: 805-295-6039

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