When it comes to the light requirements of Euphorbia obesa, it is important to find the right balance. This unique succulent, also known as the basketball plant or baseball plant, is native to the arid regions of South Africa. In its natural habitat, it receives plenty of sunlight, but it is also protected by other plants and rocks that filter the intense rays. This means that when growing Euphorbia obesa indoors, it is crucial to replicate these conditions as closely as possible.
First and foremost, it is essential to provide Euphorbia obesa with bright light. Placing it near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight is ideal. This means that a south-facing or west-facing window is usually the best choice, as these directions tend to receive the most sunlight throughout the day. However, if you have a window that faces east or north, don’t worry! You can still successfully grow Euphorbia obesa as long as you provide it with enough light.
Filtered sunlight is key because direct sunlight can be too intense for the Euphorbia obesa. The thick, rounded stem of this plant is designed to store water, and its leaves are reduced to tiny spines. While this adaptation is perfect for surviving in arid conditions, it also means that the Euphorbia obesa is more susceptible to sunburn and damage from intense sunlight. If exposed to too much direct sunlight, the plant’s delicate leaves may start to turn yellow or brown, and in extreme cases, they may even wither and die.
To prevent this, it is crucial to provide the Euphorbia obesa with some shade during the hottest parts of the day. If your window receives direct sunlight, you can use sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light. Alternatively, you can also place the plant a few feet away from the window to provide some distance between it and the intense rays. By doing so, you can ensure that your Euphorbia obesa receives the right amount of light without risking sunburn.
It is also important to note that the light requirements of Euphorbia obesa may vary depending on the time of year and the region in which you live. For example, if you live in a particularly sunny area or if you are growing your plant during the summer months, you may need to provide more shade and filter the light even more. On the other hand, if you live in a region with less sunlight or if you are growing your plant during the winter months, you may need to move it closer to the window or provide additional artificial lighting to ensure it receives enough brightness.
In my personal experience, I have found that placing my Euphorbia obesa near a west-facing window works best. This window receives ample sunlight throughout the day, but the angle of the sun and the nearby trees provide enough shade to prevent the plant from getting burned. I have also experimented with using sheer curtains to filter the light further during the hottest parts of the day, and this has proven to be successful as well.
Euphorbia obesa needs bright light to thrive, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. Placing it near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight is ideal. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, providing some shade during the hottest parts of the day is crucial to prevent sunburn and damage to the plant’s delicate leaves. By finding the right balance of light, you can ensure that your Euphorbia obesa grows and flourishes in your indoor space.
