This amazing family of plants contains over 2000 different species. From tiny succulents to full sized trees, their 3-lobed, cosmic-eyed pistils have fascinated philosophers, and the famous milky white latex is said to trace back to the saliva (the healing salve) of the eternal gods. With such high claims, Euphorbias have been used as the infusionary substance for many legendary potions -- brilliant, fantastic, magical, medicinal, powerful. Today their healing powers consist in making our yards and backyards more beautiful and much more interesting, but there's magic in that, too. The trick: besides being very delightful -- if not odd -- to look at, even during harsh times Euphorbias tend to thrive and take care of themselves.
Although there are over 2000 different species of Euphorbia, only a very few can actually survive outside year around here in Northern Nevada and Northeastern California. But not all is lost to the harsh winter climate; there are several that can survive quite easily. In fact, they thrive and these are the types we offer.
Our Euphorbias are winter hardy, sprouted and raised outside in conditions like our own.
Some of the Euphorbia we carry:
We have more. Come in and visit our shop for a better view. Our Euphorbias are grown to thrive in Northern Nevada and Northeastern California. With the right care, they will remember you and come back to please you year after year.
It's not H. G. Wells. It's the weather. Many Euphorbias simply can't take the harsh winter lows we get in both mountain and desert surroundings. Many can't even take the high noon desert sun. But with just the right amount of water and shade, your so-called "indoor" or "houseplant" Euphorbias can actually live outside (and thrive) from late spring, through summer, into early fall. Soil, food, light and water requirements will depend upon the individual, but many house plants love the fresh air and light, and they thrive during this time of year. When you set them outside, you need to keep an eye on the habits of light, especially direct sunlight. With just the right amount of light and water, house plants can catch up on growth. It helps to repot in the springtime, too. But, don't forget: if you purchased your Euphorbias at a mega-warehouse store, they might not be cold hardy for Northern Nevada and Northeastern California. Plus, if you do want to let them live out-of-doors during the warm months of the year, you'll probably need to provide some moderate to heavy shade and you'll need to bring them in before the first frost.You won't want to kill all that lush summer progress.
Better yet, come down to our shop and pick out the Euphorbias that can take the sun and heat, and you won't have to bring them in from the cold unless you really want to...
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Given the right living conditions, and given that the "Backster Effect" be true, would plants prefer to live out-of-doors or would they want to be indoors close to us, tending to our emotional needs? (This episode of "It Makes One Wonder..." was inspired by the classic book exploring not only the possibility that plants think, but that plants are psychic, The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird.) Maybe the plants trick us into doing special things for them... Maybe we're tending to their emotional needs. Maybe we're nothing more than plant puppets...
There are several types of succulents that make great companion plants for your garden and landscaping plans. And remember, most succulents (including cacti) do very well in containers. Visit our page on Succulents, or choose specific plant types below:
Also: Cacti and More on Cacti and Succulents.
