Euphorbia horrida is a succulent plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Native to Madagascar, this species can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a distinctive appearance, featuring thick, fleshy stems covered in sharp spines, with small leaves sprouting along the stem.
The flowers of Euphorbia horrida are small and yellow-green, appearing at the tips of the stems. The plant typically blooms during the spring and summer months.
Due to its unique look, Euphorbia horrida is often grown as an ornamental plant. It thrives in well-draining soil, requires full sun exposure, and needs minimal watering, as it is well-adapted to drought conditions.
However, the sap of Euphorbia horrida contains toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions upon contact with skin or eyes. Therefore, handling the plant with care is advisable, especially when pruning or propagating.
In summary, Euphorbia horrida is an intriguing succulent species known for its spiny stems and distinctive appearance, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking an unusual addition to their plant collections.
African milk barrel has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to moisture. It is vulnerable to disease when humidity is high and can develop root rot during dormancy. Concerning care, African milk barrel tolerates drought but requires increased watering in the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. African milk barrel is best for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, particularly during dormancy. It is especially appropriate for those who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.
How to keep Euphorbia Horrida.
Light
Originating from arid areas, the African milk barrel performs best in full sun, as its native habitat is marked by intense sunlight and scant shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, providing some flexibility in its growth.
Water
Water whenever the top couple inches of soil feels dry from spring to fall when the plant is actively growing. During the winter, reduce watering to only when the plant shows signs of wilt.
Temperature
Although the African milk barrel can tolerate some heat, it mainly thrives and grows in cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer conditions, provide shade to avoid scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest season to prevent root rot. It shows vigorous growth in winter and spring, and provided temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For African milk barrel, light applications of fertilizer 1-2 times a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer on repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you apply fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooming.
Pot & Repot
Repot an African milk barrel in the warmer months, selecting a container only slightly bigger than the existing one that has good drainage. Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Handle the roots and caudex carefully during the repotting process. After repotting, wait roughly a week before watering to avoid root rot. Put the plant in a sunny location for best growth.
Toxicity
The milky sap (latex) running throughout Euphorbia plants is toxic to people and animals both via skin contact and ingestion. The plants actually use the sap as a defense mechanism to prevent animals from feeding on it, and the sap has some antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9b-11
- Mature Height
- 76 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Green
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Africa, Asia, North America, South America
Other names.
