Question

E. trigona growth   Hi Melissa,  I have had this Euphorbia trigona for over 10 years.  Just notice these little growths about 6 months ago and at first thought it was part of the plant.  My best guess is that it is a fungus, maybe a root fungus.  It is heavier at the base of the plant and on the side away from window.  I already had one section die recently, it was covered in these growths.  

I live in a zone 4 area.  I spritz it about once a month last winter during a very cold winter to wash off, (I know, not very smart), (this is why I'm guessing fungus)  the soil is very poor (I didn't realize how desperate it is in need of being replenished) and I didn't feed it last summer.  I water it about once a month.  The entire plant is almost 5 feet high and 4 feet across, made up of about 4 different sections.  

You can see that these growths peak out from flat part of plant and then after a few days it either dies like that sticking out of plant or gets covered by a black covering. (black circle in photo) and then I'm guessing it dies or reproduces.  Whatever it is, after it pops out it only last a couple of days.      

Can you tell what this growth is?  How I can get rid of it?  And if I improve my soil, will I improve the conditions for this growth?  What can I do with soil to help?  

I've been looking all over and cannot seem to find anything relate to this growth, if you can be of any help, I would appreciate it so much.  

Thank you,
Patty

Answer
Dear Patty, They certainly are very strange looking growths and I couldn't find anything specifically relating to them either.  However, upon close inspection, it sort of looks like these growths are occurring at locations by the nodes, which are raised and have spines.  It seems like the nodes are the areas first affected by this fungus.  Regardless, it does definitely seem to be a fungus.  I would get a horticultural product containing NEEM, an organic product that is effective against insects, mites, and fungus and is perfect for small gardens.  There are several available.  Spray the plant thoroughly with the Neem.  You will have to spray several times about a week apart.  Try not to let the plant stay wet or cold after spraying.  I would also try to repot the plant at this time and drench the soil with the NEEM to kill any fungus gnats or other insects and fungus.  Plants with spines that are this size are really quite difficult to repot and you have my sympathy.  Wear gloves and you probably will need at least an extra pair of hands.  Be sure to keep the watering down during this time and especially in the cooler months of the year when the plant isn't actively growing much.  Feed the plant when it shows some sign of new growth.  This should cure the plant but let me know if you need further assistance because this fungus is fairly unusual.  Good luck, Melissa