How to Propagate Euphorbia Lactea

Locate a mature, healthy Euphorbia lactea cactus to take a cutting from in the spring or early summer. Cuttings taken during this time period are more successful than those taken at other times of the year.

Put on work gloves and locate a stem on the cactus that is healthy and at least 3 to 4 inches long. Look at the very tip of the stem to ensure it has small hairlike projections, which means it will continue to grow if cut off. Cut it off as close to the main trunk of the cactus as possible using a clean, sharp knife. Angle the cut downward slightly to prevent water from pooling in the cut on the host plant.

Open a jar of plant root hormone powder and dip the cut end of the cactus into it. Place the cactus cutting on a plate or a paper towel. Let the cactus cutting dry for three to four weeks until the cut end is no longer damp and forms a callus.

Fill a pot with cactus potting mix until it is three-quarters full. Dig a 1-inch-deep hole in the center of the material and insert the cactus cutting into it with the cut side facing downward. Push the soil up around the base to hold the cutting upright.

Place the pot outdoors if it is summer, or set it on a heating mat set to between 75 and 80 F if outdoor temperatures are still cool.

Dig the soil out gently from the cutting and pull it up to examine the base one month after potting. If you see roots, replant the cutting and begin to water the soil. If no roots are present, replant the cutting and wait another two to three weeks before checking for roots again.