About
A tender, succulent perennial which produces a partially underground swollen stem or caudex, with snake-like green cylindrical stems that emerge radially from its centre to approximately 20cm (8in) in length. New plantlets are produced at the tips of older stems and drop to the ground when developed sufficiently to sustain themselves and form new plants. Short-stemmed, yellow-green floral bracts, reddish in bud, are produced along short-stems from the centre of the caudex in summer. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves are produced at the tips of the stems as they grow and are approximately 1cm (½in) long, but are soon shed leaving the older parts of the stems bare.
About the genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
ToxicityHumans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further details.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by cuttings or from offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free