Species corncob plant

corncob plant

Euphorbia mammillaris

The corncob plant (Euphorbia mammillaris) is a South African succulent native to dry regions of Southwest Africa. This plant is named for its heavily spined stems that are said to look like the cob of an ear of maize. It forms attractive triangular masses of stems covered in white powdery wax. Small yellow-green flowers are produced in spring and summer at the end of the thin branches. This plant requires full sun and high air humidity, so it is best suited for growing indoors or a greenhouse. Its low water requirement and fast growth make it easy to care for and perfect for any home garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

9

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Summer

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

The corncob plant should be watered deeply once a week during summer and spring, and once every 2 weeks in the winter. During the summer months, make sure to water your corncob plant thoroughly, until water runs out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die. During the winter months, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.

sunlight

The corncob plant (Euphorbia mammillaris), or Crown of Thorns, prefers full sun for best growth. For optimal growth, it should receive a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunshine a day, but it can thrive in up to 8 hours of direct sun. When grown indoors, it should be placed in a south-facing window for optimal sunlight. When grown outdoors, careful consideration must be given to the location and microclimate the plant will be in to ensure it receives enough sunlight. The corncob plant will suffer when it does not receive sufficient sunlight, losing its vigor and becoming more susceptible to stress and disease.

pruning

The corncob plant (Euphorbia mammillaris) should be pruned twice a year, once in the late spring and once in the early winter. During the late spring pruning, all dead, dying or woody old growth should be removed to promote strong new growth and flowering. In the early winter pruning, the ends of the stems should be cut back to promote a neater shape and to promote flowering the following year. Pruning should be done a little at a time and should not be excessive, as over-pruning can damage the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The corncob plant typically begins to produce fruits in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

The corncob plant typically begins to produce fruits in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map