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Euphorbia Obesa (Baseball Plant) Grow & Care Guide

Written by Iris

Oct 13 2021

Euphorbia Obesa (Baseball Plant) Grow & Care Guide
Euphorbia Obesa(Baseball Plant) are succulents of the genus Euphorbiaceae. The cloth ball is native to the Cape Province of South Africa and likes a warm, sunny environment. Because of the unique sphere and color of the cloth ball, it is loved by many cactus lovers.

Where to Grow Euphorbia Obesa

Euphorbia Obesa ‘Baseball Plant’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a-11b which is around -1.1°C (30°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant baseball plant in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
Euphorbia Obesa(Baseball Plant)

How to Grow Euphorbia Obesa (Baseball Plant)

Euphorbia obesa is easily propagated from seed sown during spring or summer. Sow in a sandy to gravel-rich, well drained potting soil in a sunny warm position and in a standard seed tray. Cover seed with a thin layer of sand (1-2 mm) and keep moist. Germination occurs within 3 weeks. The seedlings have a slow to medium growth rate and can be planted out into individual bags as soon as they are large enough to handle. Flowering can be achieved within 5-8 years. Plants can be hand pollinated with a small paint brush. Rub pollen onto the brush and transfer to stigmas of female plants. Remember to cover the female plants with a stocking or a net to catch the seeds, otherwise the capsules will shoot them far and wide.
Euphorbia Obesa(Baseball Plant)

How to Care for Euphorbia Obesa (Baseball Plant)

Euphorbia Obesa Lighting Requirements

Euphorbia obesa needs full sunlight all year long. In summer, plants can moved outdoors to benefit from the increased temperatures and increased exposure to daylight. Growing the plants close to a window is usually sufficient to provide the needed light in cooler temperatures for a winter dormancy period.

Euphorbia Obesa Soil Care

For these plants to thrive, they require well-draining potting soil. Plant your Euphorbia Obesa in a store-bought potting mix that is specially made for cacti and succulents. If you do not have garden centers or nurseries in your proximity, you can prepare your own by mixing one part perlite, two parts coarse sand, and three parts regular potting soil.
Like most succulents and cacti, Euphorbia obesa plants do well in a soil that is poor in nutrients. These plants do not need regular fertilization, but they will benefit from it during the spring. Feed your plant with a succulent or cactus fertilizer to ensure healthy growth and blooming.

Euphorbia Obesa Watering

Thanks to their gigantic succulent stems, euphorbia obesa plants can store large quantities of water. It’s safe to say that they don’t usually need frequent watering and can even tolerate some periods of drought. The only time when these adorable species need more water than usual is during their active growth period.
From early spring to late summer, water your Baseball plant every time the soil feels dry to the touch. Keep in mind that you should always check the soil in-between waterings to avoid over-watering your plant.
Once the autumn has settled in, the amount of water should be reduced gradually. During the winter, these plants can thrive in a dried-out soil without any complaints. However, it is better to water them once in a while, to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Baseball plants can grow healthy and happy in dry conditions that mimic those of their natural habitat, so they won’t appreciate a humid environment. Make sure you protect your Euphorbia obesa plants from high humidity by placing them in a room that has air vents. If the humidity levels are still high, you can use a room dehumidifier to prevent your chubby plant from rotting.

Euphorbia Obesa Temperature & Humidity Care

Baseball plants appreciate warm temperatures. When grown inside, the average household temperature is more than sufficient. However, be careful to avoid placing your baseball plant in areas with cold drafts, as it can inhibit growth. If grown outdoors, they can tolerate occasional temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Euphorbia Obesa Fertilizer

Euphorbia Obesa plants do not require fertilizer though it can be added to give container-grown plants a boost or to supplement poor soil. Apply a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer monthly, diluted at half strength.

Euphorbia Obesa Pests & Diseases Care

Mealybugs and scale insects are potential threats for Euphorbia Obesa. Remove mealybugs with a damp cloth. If the bugs are in the soil and around the base, drenching with an insecticide may be needed. Remove scale insects with a toothpick or cotton swab. If the infestation is severe, use insecticide. When the plant develops white furry patches, it’s likely suffering from mildew. Transplant the plant and limit the watering.
Euphorbia Obesa(Baseball Plant)

Euphorbia Obesa (Baseball Plant) FAQ

Why Is My Euphorbia obesa Corking?

A common problem succulent growers have with Euphorbia obesa is corking which describes brown spots that develop with age. Corking typically starts at the bottom of the plant and advances up. While rotting areas will feel mushy or squishy to the touch, corking will feel firm.
Sunburned areas are often confused with corking. If you have recently relocated your Euphorbia obesa to a spot with significantly more sun exposure, your plant may be burned. In contrast to corking, burns often appear as patches. Although these plants do well in full sun, they do need to be introduced to increased light levels gradually.
As previously mentioned, corking is a natural part of the aging process and is generally not cause for concern. Unfortunately, corking will eventually spread enough to significantly reduce photosynthesis which will lead to the plant’s death.

Is Euphorbia obesa Toxic?

Like other Euphorbias, Euphorbia obesa is toxic. It has a milky, latex sap that can damage your eyes. For this reason, it is important to wear gloves when handling this succulent. The sap from Euphorbia obesa can also cause mouth irritation and vomiting if ingested by pets or humans.