Euphorbia obesa, also commonly known as ‘Baseball or Basketball plant’, is round in shape. As it matures, it becomes more elongated and Spherical, cylindrical in shape. This winter-dormant plant has its origin in South Africa and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The Baseball plant can reach up to a height of 6-12 inches and grows well indoors.
Growth Rate
Baseball plants have a slow to medium growth rate. It takes at least two years for a new leaf or stem to appear, and the bulb may not produce flowers for another three or four years.
Flowering
Euphorbia obesa plant blooms in the Mid-summer season and produces beautiful yellow flowers.
Watering and Feeding
These succulents, like most succulents and cacti, will die if they are overwatered. Water the plant when the soil completely dries out. Basketball plants require more water in the spring and summer, and much less water during their dormant period in the fall and winter. They do not require regular fertilization as they are adapted to growing in nutrient-deficient soil.
Soil
Basketball plants require coarse, well-draining potting soil to thrive and should be planted in a cactus and succulent potting mix.
Hardiness
This variety of Euphorbia can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10a to 11b and has a frost tolerance of -5 to -10°C (23 to 14°F).
Light
To keep its variegated leaf coloration, the Baseball plant requires bright light. The amount of light required is determined by the growing conditions, which can range from full sun to partial shade sun exposure.
Propagation
This plant, like most succulents, is propagated by separating off cuttings and allowing them to dry for a few days before planting them in lightly shaded, gritty soil.
Euphorbia obesa plants are simple to grow and care for. They thrive in environments that are similar to their natural habitat. If you are a busy bee who does not have much time to spend at home, these plants are an excellent companion for you and your other low-maintenance plants.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Blooming Season | Mid summer |
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Common Name | Baseball plant |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Euphorbiaceae |
Flower | Yellow |
Frost Tolerance | -5°c To -10°c |
Growth Rate | Slow to medium |
Hardiness Zone | 10a to 11b |
Height | 6-12 in. |
Origin | South africa |
Pot Size | 3.5" |
Scientific Name | Euphorbia obesa Basketball Plant |
Shape | Spherical |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |