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Euphorbia flanaganii
"Medusa's Head"

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May get to be too big.

Description

Euphorbia flanaganii
, commonly known as Medusa's Head, is one of the caudex-forming Euphorbiias, similar to Euphorbia procumbens (also know as Euphorbia pugniformis), Euphorbia esculenta and Euphorbia caputmedusae. It gets its common name from both its general reptilian appearance and the fact that it will grow to the size of a human head if left alone. It's a member of Medusoid Euphorbias, a group of succulents native to South Africa.

The structure of a typical Medusa's Head is separated into the arms and the central caudex. As the plant grows, new arms form near the edges of the caudex, gradually spreading out as the plant grows, and the old arms shrivel up and die. Once it is situated and happy, it demonstrates its contentment with life by producing a ring of chartreuse blooms, each about the size of a ball bearing, around the caudex.

Growing Conditions and General Care
Unlike most succulents, Medusa's Head does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. It warns of a lack of water by gradually curling up its arms toward the center. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.

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