JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Cutting Garden Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Pinching euphorbia marginata

Posted by misskitty_blooming 7 (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 26, 06 at 10:20

Do you pinch this euphorbia? My plants are getting quite tall and they look like a plant that would benefit from being pinched but I dont want to lose anything. Thanks in advance.


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Pinching euphorbia marginata

  • Posted by josh z8a (My Page) on
    Thu, Apr 27, 06 at 4:29

Can't answer re pinching but wanted to mention that some (maybe all?) members of Euphorbia family have a white sap which can cause bad skin rash, especially dangerous if you get it in your eyes or mouth. I'd use clippers, not fingers, and clean blades with alcohol afterwards. Just as a precaution. josh


 o
RE: Pinching euphorbia marginata

No pinching required.

The sap in euphorbia causes eye and skin reaction in sensitive individuals. Be sure to wear latex gloves when harvesting, and don't let the sap drip on your arm. We've had some pretty bad burns. And, keep your hands away from your face when working with this. You probably already know all this; but, it never hurts repeating.

Trish


 o
RE: Pinching euphorbia marginata

Thank you both. I shall use extra precautions come harvest times. Talking of dealing with the sap, which of the procedures do you use? I have read about searing, boiling and dipping in alcohol. Thanks again.


 o
RE: Pinching euphorbia marginata

Cut directly into plain water in the field. Transfer to hydrating solution before putting the buckets of euphorbia into the cooler. It must be properly hydrated for at least 12 hours before using in arrangements. Otherwise, it will wilt.

Trish


 o
RE: Pinching euphorbia marginata

Thanks Trish. Your method is far easier than the other choices.


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network