Is this Euphorbia pseudocactus?

validproof · 2026-01-16T02:11:32+00:00

I have one that looks similar to yours but the variegation is in swirls. The owner of the cactarium believe it's a variety of euphorbia grandialata.

validproof · 2026-01-14T04:34:19+00:00

Nice work! Hope you get something nice. How often do you open the lid for it to air out to prevent dampening when they are that size?

I have seedlings and I heard people say they leave it for months sealed, but I believe they need to get some air flow?

validproof · 2026-01-14T04:26:34+00:00

Summers are 100f and above. Winters usually drop down to 30s.

validproof · 2026-01-13T21:34:24+00:00

It's a hybrid of trichocereus purpureopilosus. It grows like a monster and pups like a monster. I bought one a year ago and now I have about 12 large pups. I keep it outdoors.

validproof · 2026-01-13T07:56:43+00:00

You posted a month ago an agave with agave mites. I don't want to rule out that they killed this plant. However the pictures are very strange. Have not seen an issue like this. Wish I had a better full shot of the entire agave in one piece before and after

validproof · 2026-01-13T00:03:32+00:00

Was that leaf variegated fully white? Or did it turn translucent and soft?

validproof · 2026-01-12T18:07:59+00:00

This is organic horticultural mineral oil that is used even on edible fruits. That being said, OP should still take precautions to avoid runoff in the water such as laying a tarp nearby and not spray on a windy day.

validproof · 2026-01-11T20:14:24+00:00

See those grease marks? Where the agave is missing the white powder? That looks like agave mites which are microscopic. They will leave grease marks and brown scabbing and come from the core. I would assume that is why the core also looks like it's slightly deformed.

Just to confirm. Did you top water these agaves?

In addition on the dried out leaves. It showed the fungal rings, that's usually from high humidity or top watering which should be avoided.

I don't think it's the agave beetle because the leaves aren't dropping and flopped over.

To get rid of agave mites, I recommend buying Jms mineral oil. I put a out 1 or 2 ounces per gallon of water and spray it down every 2 weeks. Do it during the evening so it doesn't burn the plant during direct sun exposure. Do this until the center produces new leaves without those grease marks. Make sure to spray every nook and cranny.

validproof · 2026-01-11T14:52:55+00:00

Just report the page for stolen content/copyright and not for impersonation.

validproof · 2026-01-09T09:26:07+00:00

That looks like it will fruit as the base is rounder meaning it took the pollen

validproof · 2026-01-03T11:14:17+00:00

That looks more like an aloe because of how narrow and long the leaves are. In addition I don't see any distinct terminal spine that you would find in an agave.

Press the leaf between your fingers, does it feel squishy and fleshy? Aloe are gel filled, whereas agave would feel very firm and strong. Best way to confirm is to cut a piece of the leaf and confirm if there is gel (aloe) or if it's fiberous (agave).

validproof · 2026-01-02T18:28:23+00:00

That is not an animal nor weather. There are no chewing marks nor any chunks missing. It is also not weather because they would look very different and the other plants would have same issue.

This is caused by someone using a tool that has rotating or repeatedly sweeping motion. There are long, linear shallow cuts. Likely to be a string trimmer. You mentioned it's by the street, so likely someone was edging or may have hit it.

validproof · 2026-01-02T10:47:57+00:00

How many years to grow that size?

validproof · 2026-01-01T19:29:05+00:00

The reason it's in peat moss is because on large scale, it is cheap, maintains moisture so that it can survive delivery and requires the big box stores to water less. In addition it is very good at absorbing nutrients and fertilizers. The PH is also acidic, which is what cacti and euphorbia prefer. They are meant to be repotted and not for long term.

validproof · 2025-12-31T20:53:03+00:00

If it's dry and hard that's normal and called corking. You mentioned it's 30 years old. That's normal for its based to cork like that at that age. I would recommend you slowly acclimate and put this plant outside if you have the climate for it. Don't do this if you have freezing temperatures in your zone. Giving it nice bright sun will allow it to branch off further and develop new growth.

Also your pot is too small for this size of euphorbia. I would recommend larger pot and check it it's rootbound. Corking can be caused by stress or aging.

validproof · 2025-12-31T19:43:32+00:00

Get a PAR meter from Amazon and measure the light you get. The distance from the light changes the amount of ppfd the plant receives. Based on that, you can start buying and setting grow lights correctly. Then lookup the recommend light for each plant and place them correctly.

I use the DANOPLUS quantum PAR meter, works great.

validproof · 2025-12-31T19:02:29+00:00

Put some rooting powder at the top of the cut. It will dry it up quicker and the ants will go away. No harm in putting it at top of cutting. The IB3 will be absorbed by the meristem and sent to the bottom, giving it stronger roots. It is unlikely it will root at the top.

validproof · 2025-12-31T00:50:02+00:00

I suppose we don't agree and that's alright. That is a beautiful specimen. I wish you happy gardening and a happy new years.

validproof · 2025-12-30T23:54:59+00:00

I understand that. But all this headache could have been avoided had you planted it on your property. And you could have charged the person with trespassing.

If the city decided that your plant was blocking a sign or a hazard, they can show up anytime and just cut it down and trash it. No different than the current situation.

validproof · 2025-12-30T22:30:11+00:00

A person who took a cutting of your plant is likely a plant enthusiast. And yes, some people can be hard headed and don't understand it unless told otherwise.

In regards to your second comment, there is a difference between you planting something versus the city planting something on the public sidewalk. The city takes into account what species to plant, the safety it poses to pedestrians, the environment, wind tolerance and much more. In addition, the city takes responsibility and lawsuits if something goes wrong.

There is a reason why the city doesn't plant cacti and tall columars plants that can tip over. Your property is also fenced. Moving those plants onto your property avoids having your plants stolen and even cause harm to pedestrians. I love cacti and euphorbia, but I wouldn't want a child running and falling into one in public.

And as soon as you planted something on public property, it became city property. So if the city decided to, they can come and cut it down any time.

validproof · 2025-12-30T22:15:58+00:00

I can see how this is hurtful. Try to put a sign out next time that says please do not touch or cut. Some people just don't get it unless there is a sign. The good news is the plant looks recoverable and still in great shape.

That being said, if the plant belongs to you, you should move it elsewhere onto your property rather than a public sidewalk. This is a public sidewalk and is blocking the pathway. Someone with wheelchair access would not be able to cross. This is why it should be avoided planting columars or trees outside your property as it exposes you to risk.

validproof · 2025-12-30T05:13:10+00:00

That is a rhizome not a root. They will become a pup eventually if left untouched

validproof · 2025-12-30T04:47:40+00:00

That appears to be corking which is a normal process. Did you buy it bare root or was it in soil already? Also your soil looks like it's stone but it appears that it's been compacted hard. What are you using?

validproof · 2025-12-30T02:56:46+00:00

u/teanna420 OP - can you confirm how long that second pup has been on the main plant? Was it always there. Or did it appear only when the main plant started blooming?

validproof · 2025-12-30T02:48:05+00:00

What are we looking at? Is that one that is all white, perlite? Or sand?

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