Euphorbia Balsamifera
The Euphorbia Balsamifera is a fascinating species from the large family of euphorbias, remarkable for its gnarled trunk, thick branches and miniature tree silhouette. Highly appreciated in cultivation for its graphic appearance and great drought tolerance, this caudiciform succulent is often used as an ornamental plant in dry gardens, or as a natural bonsai in pots. It embodies the resilience of desert plants, with a beauty that is both raw and soothing.
Its trunk, which can become prominent with age, is gray-brown, sometimes fissured, and covered with tender green foliage, often persistent if conditions are favorable. The leaves are small, elongated, slightly succulent, and arranged in a spiral at the ends of the stems. The overall appearance of Euphorbia Balsamifera evokes a natural sculpture, with sinuous shapes and very harmonious vegetal balance.
In nature, Euphorbia Balsamifera grows in the arid and rocky areas of the Sahara, the coastal regions of Mauritania and Morocco, as well as in the Canary Islands. There it sometimes forms dense thickets reaching several meters in height, in very poor soils exposed to direct sun. This exceptional resilience has allowed it to perfectly adapt to hot and dry climates, and it is locally used for its medicinal and healing properties.
For Euphorbia Balsamifera to thrive in cultivation, good exposure is essential :
☀️ Full sun or very bright light : it loves intense light and tolerates direct sun without issue.
🌤️ Bright indoors : in apartments, it will thrive near a south- or west-facing window.
⚠️ Warning : lack of light causes stem etiolation, slowed growth and leaf drop.
☀️ Full sun or very bright light : it loves intense light and tolerates direct sun without issue.
🌤️ Bright indoors : in apartments, it will thrive near a south- or west-facing window.
⚠️ Warning : lack of light causes stem etiolation, slowed growth and leaf drop.
Watering is probably the most delicate point, as this euphorbia tolerates stagnant moisture very poorly :
💧 Spring / Summer : water moderately every 15 to 20 days, allowing the substrate to dry well between waterings.
❄️ Autumn / Winter : space watering greatly, or suspend it completely if the plant is dormant.
⚡ Reminder : excess water is the most common mistake. It is better to have a slightly too dry plant than a rotting root system.
💧 Spring / Summer : water moderately every 15 to 20 days, allowing the substrate to dry well between waterings.
❄️ Autumn / Winter : space watering greatly, or suspend it completely if the plant is dormant.
⚡ Reminder : excess water is the most common mistake. It is better to have a slightly too dry plant than a rotting root system.
Euphorbia Balsamifera loves heat and fears prolonged cold :
🌡️ Ideal temperature : between 20 and 30°C.
❄️ Minimum : it tolerates occasional 5°C, but must never be exposed to frost.
🏡 Wintering tip : if temperature drops below 10°C, bring it into a bright and well-ventilated place.
🌡️ Ideal temperature : between 20 and 30°C.
❄️ Minimum : it tolerates occasional 5°C, but must never be exposed to frost.
🏡 Wintering tip : if temperature drops below 10°C, bring it into a bright and well-ventilated place.
🪨 For healthy growth, the substrate must be perfectly draining: cactus substrate base + addition of perlite to lighten the mix + finishing layer of pozzolana to limit evaporation and enhance drainage
The flowering of Euphorbia Balsamifera is discreet but charming :
🌼 Flowers : small yellow to greenish cyathia
📅 Period : spring or summer, rarely indoors
💡 Tip : to encourage flowering, place the plant in full sun with slight water stress
🌼 Flowers : small yellow to greenish cyathia
📅 Period : spring or summer, rarely indoors
💡 Tip : to encourage flowering, place the plant in full sun with slight water stress
FAQ - Euphorbia Balsamifera
What type of substrate is best suited for Euphorbia Balsamifera?
A cactus substrate enriched with perlite and topped with pumice is ideal to ensure perfect drainage.
How often should Euphorbia Balsamifera be watered?
Water every 15 to 20 days in summer once the substrate is dry. In winter, drastically reduce watering to avoid root rot.
Can Euphorbia Balsamifera tolerate cold?
It can tolerate temperatures occasionally around 5 °C, but it does not withstand frost. Bring it indoors as soon as temperatures drop below 10 °C.
How can you encourage Euphorbia Balsamifera to flower?
Provide a very bright location, slight dryness, and a mild fertilizer. However, flowering remains rare indoors.
Can Euphorbia Balsamifera be grown in a pot?
Yes, it adapts perfectly to pot cultivation, especially as a caudex-type bonsai, provided it receives enough light.
How can you recognize overwatering in Euphorbia Balsamifera?
Softening of the trunk or brown spots at the base indicate excess moisture. In this case, stop watering and change the substrate.
What exposure is ideal for Euphorbia Balsamifera?
It enjoys full sun, or at least very bright light. Indoors, choose a south-facing exposure.
Is Euphorbia Balsamifera toxic?
Yes, like all euphorbias, it contains a white irritating latex. Handle it with care and keep it away from children.
Can Euphorbia Balsamifera be fertilized?
Yes, use a fertilizer specially formulated for succulents once a month during the growing period.
Does Euphorbia Balsamifera grow quickly?
Its growth is rather slow but steady. In a pot, it maintains a compact and elegant shape for many years.
