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My candelabra tree (euphorbia) is leaning

4 years ago

I’ve just moved my euphorbia from inside to my deck. I sheltered it under the eave for two weeks before moving into direct sunlight to prevent burning. After a week in the sun (no burning) it started to lean. I had this issue in a much smaller scale when I moved it indoors in the fall. What can I do. I have it tied to the deck railing currently To prevent worsening.

Featured Answer

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5

4 years ago

It's top-heavy due to excessive growth in a situation where its foundation roots haven't had a chance to spread out and support the plant. You're going to need to trim some of those arms off to lighten its load. Be aware that Euphorbia sap is caustic to skin generally and particularly so to mucous membranes (eyes/nose/mouth etc.). If you're cutting, wear PPE and have some lukewarm water nearby to dip the cut ends into (it helps staunch the flow).

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Comments (10)

robinswfl
4 years ago
I agree with advice above. My euphorbia are smaller, but I do find that once they experience a growth spurt or two, leaning is likely. I am having that now with a Euphorbia lactea. Regarding the sap, my recommendation is to use very heavy and thick plastic gloves, preferably elbow length, and prepared to wash well after pruning. You have a beautiful plant, BTW.
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cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
4 years ago
Remember this would be a treeish shrub if it could (as do many of the candelabra-variant Euphorbs - there are lots!).

Robin's right about the gloves. Also, make sure your cutting device is capable of making the cut at one go. If you have to saw, saw from a distance as far as comfortable.
Kevin Barton
Original Author
4 years ago
How much would you cut. I love the size of the plant?
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cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
4 years ago
It will grow that much and that large again, particularly if you just repot it, into the same planter if you have to but into a larger one if you can, with fresh soil. I'd get rid of all of the second-tier growth (which could become separate plants all their own should you want that). It will grow back, so fast that you'd swear there was nothing there yesterday when you see two arms today.
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Kevin Barton
Original Author
4 years ago
Sorry for being dense never pruned this one before. I’m assuming you’re meaning the entire center spire (everything above the red line), or are you meaning just the growth off the center and leave the height.
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cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
4 years ago
Kevin, no problem. We were all beginners once. Yes, everything above the red line.
Kevin Barton thanked cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
rickets1
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Ok so here is my 23 year old one that i repotted for the first time 2 years ago. where would you suggest i cut it?
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
3 years ago
rickets1

there is no point posting multiple times, & on top of it in quite od threads...be patient waiting for the answer - BUT you need to post photo of the plant. Otherwise, we need to be mind readers...
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Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
3 years ago
I'm in same boat. I have three that will grow over a foot a year and it now already out growing it's house. Shame to cut it up but it's cut or gift out. Of course all cuts will be rooted and gifted to some one else who in a few years will end up like me. My Ammac wants to grow into a tree of 20 feet so big question is; why in the world did I buy it in the first place?
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