Euphorbia obesa
Euphorbia obesa
Baseball Plant
★
Taxonomy
Family Euphorbiaceae · Genus Euphorbia
Common Names
Baseball Plant
Context
nativeRegion
Endemic to the Great Karoo region, South Africa.
usdaZones
10–11 (grown indoors in cooler regions).
companionPlants
Lithops, Haworthia, Aloe, other drought-tolerant succulents
culturalUses
Cultivated as an ornamental for collectors; not traditionally used by local peoples.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to bright, indirect light.
WateringWater sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Tolerates drought.
SoilWell-draining cactus or succulent mix.
FertilizerFertilize monthly during growing season with diluted cactus fertilizer.
HumidityPrefers low to average humidity.
TemperatureIdeal range is 20–30°C (68–86°F); avoid frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitGlobular, stem-succulent. Grows as a single, round, ribbed stem.
Mature SizeUp to 20 cm tall and 10 cm wide.
Growth RateSlow-growing.
BloomingProduces small, inconspicuous yellow-green cyathia in summer.
DormancyEnters dormancy in winter; reduce watering.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds (rarely forms offsets)
DifficultyModerate; seed germination can be slow and erratic.
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for seed sowing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNot required.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring or when rootbound.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to mealybugs and root rot from overwatering.
ToxicityToxic sap; can irritate skin and is poisonous if ingested.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.