All About Medusas head (Great for BioActive Tanks)

Euphorbia flanaganii, commonly known as Medusa's Head, is one of the caudex-forming Euphorbiias, similar to Euphorbia procumbens (also know as Euphorbia pugniformis), Euphorbia esculenta, and Euphorbia caput-medusae. It gets its common name from its general reptilian appearance and the fact that it will grow to the size of a human head if left alone. It is a member of Medusoid Euphorbias, a group of succulents native to South Africa.

A typical Medusa's Head structure is separated into the arms and the central caudex. As the plant grows, new arms form near the caudex's edges, gradually spreading out, and the old arms shrivel up and die. Once it is situated and happy, it demonstrates its contentment with life by producing a ring of chartreuse blooms, each about the size of a ball bearing, around the caudex.

Growing Conditions and General Care

Unlike most succulents, Medusa's Head does not handle long periods of drought well. Therefore, it may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. It warns of a lack of water by gradually curling its arms toward the center. Water deeply, but do not let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.

It thrives under direct sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for decent health and growth. On brighter subjects, Medusa's Head makes an exceptional container plant but can also grow in gardens if protected from freezes.

Once it reaches a certain size, a mother plant will produce pups on the ends of older arms. The growth starts as a swelling at the end of an arm and rapidly grows its caudex and arms. After a time, if they do not root on their own, the arm shrivels and allows the pup to roll away, where it rapidly grows if given access to soil and water. If you are not careful, you can end up with a whole greenhouse full of them.

Medusa's Head does not sunburn easily. It requires good drainage, but it is not fussy about soil conditions otherwise, and it grows well over a wide range of pH levels. Medusa's Head does not seem to be susceptible to any parasites or diseases are seen among other succulents, and it requires only the occasional dash of fertilizer.