Euphorbia obesa is best grown as a pot plant in a sunny position such as a window sill or stoep (verandah) but can also be grown out of doors in the Karoo and other desert gardens where frost is not too severe. It does best in a gravely shale based soil, but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Good drainage is essential. Water sparingly during the summer months and keep dry in winter. It is a slow growing long lived plant and once established, it will be content in its position and with its soil for years. It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun.

Euphorbia obesa is easily propagated from seed sown during spring or summer. Sow in a sandy to gravel-rich, well drained potting soil in a sunny warm position and in a standard seed tray. Cover seed with a thin layer of sand (1-2 mm) and keep moist. Germination occurs within 3 weeks. The seedlings have a slow to medium growth rate and can be planted out into individual bags as soon as they are large enough to handle. Flowering can be achieved within 5-8 years. Plants can be hand pollinated with a small paint brush. Rub pollen onto the brush and transfer to stigmas of female plants. Remember to cover the female plants with a stocking or a net to catch the seeds, otherwise the capsules will shoot them far and wide.

Legislation affecting Euphorbia obesa

Please be aware that Euphorbia obesa is protected by both national and international legislation: On a NATIONAL level, this legislation differs from province to province and is policed by the Nature Conservation authority. In the Western Cape (and probably the Eastern and Northern Cape who were all part of the same province in 1974 when the ordinance was passed) Euphorbia obesa and 8 other species, are listed on Schedule 3 (Protected Flora) and one requires a permit from Nature Conservation to collect, cultivate and sell Protected Flora. When buying protected flora, make sure that the seller is registered with Nature Conservation and that they issue an Invoice. For more information, please contact the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Private Bag X9086, CAPE TOWN, 8000, telephone (021) 483 3539 / 483 3170, fax (021) 483 4158, Website : Cape Nature  or your provincial authority.

On an INTERNATIONAL level there are ten species of Euphorbia on Appendix I, but Euphorbia obesa, and all other succulent species of Euphorbia are listed on Appendix II of CITES, i.e. the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This means that each and every Euphorbia obesa plant or piece of a plant being carried over an international border requires a CITES Export Permit issued by the authority of the exporting country, and a CITES Import Permit issued by the authority of the importing country. Seed, flasked seedling cultures and pollen from artificially propagated plants are exempt and may be traded without a permit. Buyers are advised to make sure that the seller is a reputable, registered dealer and that an invoice is issued with the sale. For more info on CITES, please visit their website: www.cites.org. They give a great deal of info. including a list of national authorities of all member countries. Finally, please note that the above legislation has nothing whatsoever to do with plant health and cleanliness legislation that is applicable to the import/export of all plant material and which is usually under the jurisdiction of the Dept./Ministry of Agriculture.