Euphorbia horrida | African Milk Barrel Succulent Plant
Euphorbia horrida | African Milk Barrel Succulent Plant
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Add a unique succulent to your collection with Euphorbia horrida, a South African native known for its thick ribbed stems, sharp spines, and cactus-like appearance. Although it looks similar to a cactus, this plant belongs to the Euphorbia family and has its own distinct growth pattern.
The plant develops upright grey-green stems with deep vertical ribs and paired spines along the edges. Its strong shape makes it suitable for pots, succulent displays, rock gardens, and dry landscape designs. When grown in bright sunlight, the stems can develop natural shades of red, bronze, or purple, creating colour changes throughout the growing season.
Euphorbia horrida is a slow-growing succulent that requires very little maintenance once established. It is drought tolerant and grows well in warm Australian conditions when planted in well-draining soil.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cactus-Like Appearance – Thick ribbed stems and sharp spines create a cactus-style look while offering the unique features of a Euphorbia.
- Natural Colour Changes – Strong sunlight can encourage red, bronze, and purple tones on the stems.
- Architectural Growth – The upright shape makes it ideal for statement pots, modern gardens, and succulent collections.
- Low Water Needs – Requires minimal watering and prefers dry conditions between watering.
- Easy Care Plant – A suitable choice for beginners and experienced succulent growers.
- Collector Favourite – Popular among succulent collectors due to its unusual form and slow growth.
Plant Details
- Botanical Name: Euphorbia horrida
- Common Names: African Milk Barrel, Dragon Bones Tree
- Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Origin: South Africa
- Height: Up to 5 ft tall
- Spread: Around 1 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow-growing
- Growth Habit: Upright, ribbed succulent with spiny stems
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low water requirements; allow soil to dry completely between watering
- Soil: Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix
- Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures
- Hardiness: Can tolerate light frost when kept dry
- Uses: Pots, containers, rock gardens, succulent landscapes, and xeriscape gardens
Growing and Care Guide
Light Requirements
Euphorbia horrida grows best in bright light and performs well in full sun or partial shade. More sunlight can help develop stronger stem colour and maintain its compact shape.
Watering Requirements
This succulent stores water in its thick stems and does not need frequent watering. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause root problems.
Soil Requirements
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Good drainage is important because Euphorbia horrida does not tolerate constantly wet soil.
Indoor and Outdoor Growing
Euphorbia horrida can be grown indoors near a bright window or outdoors in containers, rock gardens, and dry garden areas. It is especially suitable for Australian gardens where low-water plants are preferred.
Plant Size and Packaging Information
The succulent plant supplied comes in a 130mm diameter red pot.
The images show a representative example of the plant you will receive. Each Euphorbia horrida grows differently, so the size, shape, number of stems, and colour may vary slightly from the images shown.
Important Care Information
Euphorbia plants produce a white milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Handle carefully and avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after handling the plant.
Euphorbia horrida is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hardy, drought-tolerant succulent with a strong cactus-like shape and easy care requirements. It adds structure and texture to indoor plant collections, patio displays, and Australian succulent gardens.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.
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