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Euphorbia richardsiae

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In Stock · Ships in 48h
$ 35.00 / plant
Attribute Option
Quantity Qty
1
Sales Type Retail, Same Batch
Product Size H4-6cm
Weight 0.2 kg
Propagation Method Seed-grown
Genus Euphorbia

Description

Origin

Euphorbia richardsiae is native to Northern Malawi in East Africa. It is a geographically restricted species, specifically known from the Mzimba District and the Nkhalapya (Kalapya) Dome. The species is named after Mary Richards, a prolific botanical collector who documented much of the flora in this region. There are two recognized subspecies: the nominate subsp. richardsiae and the more vigorous subsp. robusta.

Habitat

This species is typically found in montane and sub-montane zones, growing at altitudes between 1,350 and 2,000 meters. Its natural habitat consists of granite outcrops and rocky crevices within dry shrubland biomes. In these environments, the plants grow in thin layers of grit and organic leaf mold, often exposed to high light intensity and distinct seasonal cycles of moisture and drought.

Description

Euphorbia richardsiae is a dwarf, spiny, succulent shrublet that stands out for its compact and geometric growth.

  • Growth Habit: It forms a small, branched shrub typically reaching 10–15 cm in height (though subsp. robusta can grow slightly larger and more upright). Its growth is densely clustered, making it look like a miniature desert tree.

  • Stems: The branches are typically 4 to 5-angled, with a distinct grayish-green to olive skin. The angles are sharp and neatly lined with spine shields.

  • Spines: It features neat, dark-colored spine shields (up to 8 mm long) that bear pairs of sharp spines (3–6 mm). The arrangement of these spines gives the plant a very orderly, architectural texture.

  • Flowers: The cyathia (flowers) are small and usually yellowish-green, appearing at the tips of the branches. While not visually showy, they add to the plant's intricate detail during the blooming season.

  • Cultivation: It is a slow-growing species that requires a very porous, mineral-heavy potting mix. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings to mimic its rocky, well-drained native habitat.


Safety Information: As with all Euphorbia species, this plant produces a caustic white latex (sap) if cut or damaged. This sap is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic if ingested. Always wear gloves when pruning or repotting.

Care Guide

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Plants

Light

Provide partial to full sun. Most plants thrive on direct UV exposure. Avoid placing behind window glass, as it filters out the essential UV rays needed for healthy growth.

Water

Follow the "Soak and Dry" principle. Ensure the top 2–3 cm of soil is bone dry before watering (use the finger test). Reduce frequency in winter, but do not stop watering entirely.

Temperature

The ideal range is 18–35 °C. Maintain temperatures above 5 °C during winter. Please note that temperatures below 0 °C pose a significant risk of plant death.

Humidity

Best kept at 30–50% humidity. Note: High air humidity is not a substitute for root watering. Avoid overly damp areas to prevent root rot or leggy side shoots.

Soil

A loose, well-draining medium is ideal. A mix containing 50–70% grit or mineral soil is recommended for aeration. Outdoor ground planting is also a viable option.

Fertilizer

Fertilize during repotting using Osmocote A2 slow-release fertilizer. Apply sparingly twice a year, or adjust the fertilizer type based on your specific home environment.

Planting Guide

Start Your Green Journey in 4 Steps

Unbox & Inspect

Carefully unpack and inspect the plant’s body and roots. We recommend taking photos or videos immediately for your records. Place it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot for 1–2 days to acclimate to its new environment.

Potting & Placement

After 24 hours of rest, pot the plant using slightly moistened soil. Place it in a bright, airy location to encourage recovery. Keep away from AC vents or heaters to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.

First Watering

Use water that has sat for at least 24 hours. If using the damp-potting method, wait 2–3 days before the first watering. Ensure a thorough soak until water drains freely from the bottom.

Daily Care

Monitor leaf condition and soil moisture daily. If the soil remains damp, increase ventilation rather than watering. Proper airflow is essential to prevent root rot and ensure lasting health.

  • 5 stars: 17 (85%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (15%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
M
M.S.
Same Size Shipped|W1.5-2cm|Grafting

Delivery was very fast! I received a very nice and healthy Euphorbia turbiniformis, grafted on a well-chosen E. neorubella rootstock. The graft is very stable (I have tried gently pressing the scion and it stays fully secure on the rootstock), and I think the choice of the caudex rootstock really brings out the natural beauty of the cute scion on top, as their colours look good together (compared to other E. turbuniformis in the market that are grafted on green rootstocks). The E. turbuniformis scion was also bigger than I expected, and it appears to be pushing out new side offshoots, so I am very pleased with the robustness of this plant. It continues to do well a month after arriving. Thank you for the excellent customer service and growing advice, and I look forward to shopping with you again!

M
M.S.
Same Size Shipped|W4-6cm|Seed-grown

Delivery was very fast! I received a very nice and healthy Euphorbia actinoclada with a strong root system. It was grown under very good conditions, so it has remained very compact such that the reduced main stem is so full of healthy branches that it is hard to see without peering behind the branches! The plant is also highly robust and actively growing new spines, not to mention, and also bigger than I was expecting, which I am very happy with. It is doing very well even 1 month after ordering. I am very pleased with my order! Thank you for the excellent customer service and growing advice, and I look forward to shopping with you again!

M
M.S.
Same Size Shipped|W9-10cm|Seed-grown

Delivery was very fast! I received a very nice and healthy Euphorbia schizacantha with a strong root system and mature enough to put out very pretty red flowers. The plant that I received was much bigger and more mature than I was expecting, which I am very happy with. The natural corking is also very beautiful and helps me appreciate the maturity of the plant. It is doing very well even 1 month after ordering. I am very pleased with my order! Thank you for the excellent customer service and growing advice, and I look forward to shopping with you again!

M
M.S.

Delivery was very fast! I received a very nice and healthy Euphorbia brevirama with a strong root system and mature enough to put out cute little blooms, and is actively growing new branches. I am very pleased with my order! Thank you for the excellent customer service with my order too and I look forward to shopping with you again!

Y
Y.

All the plants were in good condition, and the seeds were in good condition too.

I’m really glad it looks like we can do business together for a long time. Thank you.

Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you're happy with your plants and seeds. Looking forward to a great long-term partnership. If you need anything else, just let us know!

Z
Z.

先程受け取りました!!
とても新鮮で安心した取引になりました!!!!
またよろしくお願いします!!

S
S.

The plants are all in excellent condition! Thank you so much once again

S
S.

Absolute perfection! I am so pleasantly surprised—the plant I received is actually even larger than the dimensions listed. The root system was packed exceptionally well for transit, and the leaves are still vibrant and green.

P
P.

The plants arrived safely, all have been potted, looking forward to them regaining their vitality!

M
M.G.
No.01 Balance|W8.8cm|Own-rooted

Beautiful plant, fast shipping, and all my questions were promptly answered. Highly recommended!

W
W.

The plants arrived in wonderful shape! Thank you.

L
L.

Pretty cool plant. Traveled very well.

D
D.

I received my order and so far everything looks amazing! Thank you so much I genuinely appreciate it

C
C.

Thank you so much! Really excited to receive them

m
m.

The plants are beautiful.

E
E.

Thank you so much! Really excited to receive them

E
E.

I received my E. mlanjeana seedlings, and everything went perfectly. A dream come true!

D
D.

I received it and potted it up! I will take a picture tomorrow morning when it’s not dark out! I can also send you pictures once it leaves out again

M
M.

They're potted up! In half shade to settle in.As you can see my collection is growing nicely thank you for these beautiful plants!