Hi Everyone! I know this post is very old...but I am desperately looking for an Synadenium Grantii (African Milk bush, African Poinsettia). I really wanted to get it as a present for a dear friend who loves the plant and has been wanting to get one. I would really love a larger plant, instead of just a cutting - one that actually looks like a gift! :) If anyone has one they are willing to part with (sell or trade), or knows where I can purchase one, I'd be very grateful! Please contact me! Anywhere in the US would be fine.

I was given a Synadeium grantii (African Milk Bush) by a gardening friend. Everything was fine - (it looked very attractive and healthy in a large pot) - until, alas! the day that I decided to prepare a cutting (by stripping several leaves along the stem of a broken piece of the plant) for a suitable piece to strike in potting mix. There was an excessive milky substance each time a leaf was removed. I attempted to wash my hands - but they still felt "sticky" for a time. Approx. 30 minutes later - I had the most dreadful reaction affecting both eyes. (I cannot recall rubbing my eyes??). However, both eyes began to burn, sting along with extreme pain. Unable to open or close eyes even briefly without severe pain; also extremely sensitive to light. Headed straight to Dr - still in agony (driven by spouse). After being prescribed various medications for a severe allergic reaction - approx 5 hours later the stinging, burning and pain eased considerably. On visiting an eye specialist 3 days later my eyes were still watery and displayed signs of a major irritation. Be very careful when handling this plant - especially if a cane/stalk is damaged, broken or cut. Gardening gloves are essential in these situations.

Cut until you're in obviously healthy tissue, making the last cut with a clean knife. Have a bucket of lukewarm water nearby and wear appropriate PPE. The water's for staunching the flow of latex, the PPE's to protect you from chemical burns. Cut a healthy segment and stick the dripping end into the water for a minute, then set aside on some newspaper to dry and stop flowing. Wait a week, then dab the ends in Rootone, wedge slightly into soil (one that's at least half-porous material) and prop up with rocks/pots/stakes, Put in a sunny location and don't water them. Mist the stems every few days. You'll likely see growth (and therefore roots underneath the soil) in two months. It'd be good if the atmosphere was warm (ideal would be a heat mat for the night).

A lot depends on how much perlite you have mixed in with the c&s soil. It should be at least 50/50 and look like this - That gives the roots plenty of wiggle room and aeration. Water will flow more easily and there is less soil to retain water. Not using that much perlite is not the end of the world. But a big problem with commercial bagged C&S soil is that it often has too much peat in it. Peat can hold too much water and it can become hydrophobic and actually repel the water. So you might think you are watering the plant deeply and it is flowing through as you want it to do. In reality, it is flowing around the soil mix and not getting to the plant. I think that may be what is happening to your plant. Since so many problems start with the roots, I would unpot the plant and see what is going on down there. And this would be a good time to remove all soil from the roots (this should always be done with a new plant) and give it new mix. Take pictures and try (again) to post the plant and roots for us. If your roots and soil mix look good, we'll try plan B. ;-)