Here you’ll find 8 tips for Tall Slipper Plant Care and more. Slipper plants (Euphorbia lomelii) are known by a variety of common names around the world. These include the Desert Pencil Bush, Lousewort, and Euphorbia amongst others.
This plant is native to North America and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is mostly found in Mexico and grows to about six inches in height. Although it is a hardy plant, it is slow growing. However, they are known to flourish in USDA zones 9A to 11.
As with any plant, care and maintenance are important to keep them healthy and happy. For slipper plants to reach their full potential, there are a few care aspects to implement to ensure that they thrive. Have a look at the information below to learn more!
What To Consider When Growing Slipper Plants
The number one priority to consider when growing these plants is their maintenance needs. Tall slipper plant care is important to ensure that these plants keep thriving. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that they are growing in the best environment.
Slipper plants need full sun with partial shade to grow their best so planting them in a sunny spot is recommended. The south side of your garden will ensure that they receive adequate light daily. Also, using soil that is slightly acidic would benefit this plant.
Although slipper plants are tolerant of most soil types, aiding them in reaching their full potential will require nutrient-rich soil that is well-draining. This plant does not do well in wet soil and prefers to be in a dry environment during the cold months. Dispensing on your region, frequent watering is only recommended in the case of extremely hot temperatures.
What Soil Mix Is Best For Slipper Plants
Although these plants are quite hardy, growing them in a medium that will keep them happy and healthy is key. There are several soil mixes that you can acquire from your local garden center or nursery to grow these plants.
Whether you choose to grow them on the ground or in pots, a nutrient-rich soil mix with exceptional drainage properties is a must. This is because these plants don’t do well in soggy soil as it can cause disease that enhances root rot. Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 would be ideal.
Therefore, a crumbly soil mix that consists of equal parts loam, compost, crushed lava, or clay pebbles is best. This is because amending the soil with the recommended mineral materials will make it aerated and crumbly. Slipper plants thrive in these conditions as the soil will retain medium moisture levels and ward off common diseases.
It is also essential to add fertilizer to your plant on a monthly basis. Click on the video for additional information about these stunning plants.
Tall Slipper Plant Care Tips and Advantages
A lush garden only thrives with proper care and maintenance. The correct care procedures will afford you healthy plants throughout the year.
Whether you’re an established or new gardener, having knowledge of your plant’s temperaments and acknowledging them promptly will avoid many problems. These include common diseases amongst others. Have a look at the care tips below so that you too can maintain a luscious landscape.
Care Tips:
- Soil Type – Nutrient-rich organic soil that is aerated and well-draining is recommended as these plants don’t do well in soil that is waterlogged.
- Watering recommendations – Once these plants are properly established, they will require very little water. However, keep in mind that if they are planted in a region that experiences extremely hot temperatures, then watering when the top soil feels dry would be ideal. Also, watering in the same fashion during the growing season is a must. Remember that overwatering will cause the roots to rot.
- Pest and Diseases – With the proper care, these plants can be grown without the hassle of pests and diseases. However, they are not exempt from them. Therefore, it is essential to check your plant for mildew, spider mites, white flies, mealy bugs, and scale.
- Drought Tolerance – Slipper plants are hardy and can tolerate high levels of drought for a certain period of time.
- Wildlife advantages – Hummingbirds are widely attracted to these plants so expect them often if you grow slipper plants in your garden.
- Growing Demands – These plants are low maintenance and extremely easy to care for.
- Propagation – Tall slipper plants can be propagated from rhizomes, stem or leaf cuttings, tubers, corms, or bulbs.
- Landscaping benefits – These plants can grow on the ground or in pots. They are often used for mass plantings and are sought after for xeriscaping.
Slipper Plant Characteristics
Slipper plants are a great addition to any garden or landscape as they embody outstanding characteristics that are eye-catching. Tall slipper plant care is important to their health and growth as it helps them maintain their stance. These plants have tapered stems that resemble a candle.
They have a sticky frosted substance known as Candelilla (little candle) that envelops their tips. These plants can also spread up to 3 feet wide, encouraging the growth of new stems. This is when they appear in tightly clumped stems that emerge from the ground.
Also, slipper plants are drought deciduous so, during the end of summer and beginning of the fall season, you can expect their leaves to fall off. This plant also bears beautiful reddish or yellow fruit and has orange bird-shaped flowers. However, it is important to keep in mind that the sap from this plant is toxic and can cause an allergic skin reaction.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information about tall slipper plant care, growing them in your garden will be much easier. When growing any plant, it is important to learn about their likes and dislikes to keep them thriving. While some plants do well in acid soils, others prefer neutral or alkaline soils.
However, when it comes to tall slipper plants, they seem to grow well in neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline soil which is an advantage. They don’t demand around-the-clock care and are quite hardy, although that doesn’t mean that they should be neglected for extended periods.
A thriving garden makes a happy gardener and what better way to maintain your plants but with the vital tips mentioned above? So, keep your plants happy by growing them in the best environment and ensuring that their demands are met. Here’s a link with more information about these hardy plants.
FAQs
Slipper plants can get as tall as six feet with the proper care and maintenance. Yes, the sap from the plant is toxic and can cause an upset tummy and skin irritation if ingested or exposed to unprotected hands. To transplant slipper plants, you should first dig them up and remove a rhizome cutting. Thereafter, replant them using a soil mix that consists of loam, compost, crushed lava, or clay pebbles to ensure good drainage and sufficient air. Yes, slipper plants are perennial and bloom from late spring into summer.How tall do slipper plants get?
Is slipper plant poisonous?
How do you transplant slipper plants?
Are slipper plants perennial?