Expert: Maureen - 10/8/2010

Question
Hi,

I've had this coral cactus for about a year and a half now.
It grew out two babies and i cut them of and let them grow
roots. They are planted and doing well, however are they
ever going to grow the distinctive white crest like the
parent plant??

Answer
Dear Chris,

I don't know if your babies will form crests, assuming you are talking about a Euphorbia lactea cristata.  Crests are abnormal growths that form at the apex, or growing point of a plant.

No one knows how to force this kind of growth, although many theories have been put forward - radiation, mechanical injury, chemical injury of the growing point, and chemicals like colchicine that interfere with cell division.

Inheritance among these mutations is highly variable.

So, you'll just have to wait and see.  I do know that babies of both cactus and succulents can look very different than mature plants.  Euphorbias are normally dormant at this time of year so require very little water and produce very little growth.  When you start watering again in the spring you'll get a better idea as the babies really start to put out new growth.

So, something to look forward to!

Maureen