THE RIPPLE EFFECT
“Whenever I find a plant that is beauti-
ful and odd, I buy it,” says Martha,
who picked up this uncommon cactus
(Myrtillo cactus geometrizans forma
cristata, left) and rare euphorbia
(Euphorbia lactea forma cristata var-
iegata) years ago on a trip to Arizona.
“I brought them home on the plane
in my purse. They were smaller then,”
she says with a laugh. Keep them
in a sunny spot in very well-drained
soil (like a cactus blend mixed with
some coarse gravel), and allow it to
dry out fully before watering.
SNAKE CHARMER
The literal translation of this no-fuss
succulent’s name (Euphorbia caput-
medusae) is “Medusa’s head”—no
explanation needed. It won’t turn you
to stone, but its milky sap can irritate
skin, so handle it with care; if you
get some on you, wash it off immedi-
ately. “This plant is extraordinary
and sculptural,” says Martha, “and
you can go away for a couple of
weeks without worrying about it.”
THE GOLD STANDARD
Much like its namesake,
the rhizomatous Begonia
‘Martha Stewart’ has flair
to spare. Bred by Logee’s
nursery (logees.com),
where Martha loves to buy
her begonias, it sports
foliage in shades of char-
treuse, orange, and bronze,
and sprouts delicate pink
flowers in winter. Since
the roots grow horizontally,
not vertically, plant these
in shallow pots. Then give
them moderate light,
and let the soil dry out be-
tween waterings.
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