Overview
Euphorbia ingens is a columnar upright houseplants in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Euphorbia ingens grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include houseplants and patio and container plants. It is native to S & E Africa.
About
Euphorbia ingens is a rapidly growing succulent tree that can attain heights of up to 15 meters, though it is commonly cultivated as a houseplant. Its stems are branched and leafless, featuring four to five prominent vertical ridges adorned with small spines. When mature, this species can develop greenish-yellow flowers at the tips of its branches, which are succeeded by fruit that ranges from dark red to purple.
About the genus
Euphorbia encompasses a diverse range of plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and succulents. These species are characterized by their milky sap and small flowers that are surrounded by cupped bracts, which are frequently colorful.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euphorbia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Euphorbia ingens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- S & E Africa
- Toxicity
- Humans/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
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia ingens
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in equal quantities of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit in full light. Water moderately when in growth and keep dry in winter. In the growing season feed a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required but can be cut back to restrict size
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in early spring or stem cuttings in spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and root rots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia ingens?
Grow indoors in equal quantities of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit in full light. Water moderately when in growth and keep dry in winter. In the growing season feed a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia ingens?
Euphorbia ingens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia ingens need?
Euphorbia ingens grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Euphorbia ingens?
No pruning required but can be cut back to restrict size.
How big does Euphorbia ingens grow?
Euphorbia ingens reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia ingens hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia ingens has a UK hardiness rating of H2.
How do I propagate Euphorbia ingens?
Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in early spring or stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Is Euphorbia ingens toxic?
Humans/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.