Euphorbia horrida

Common Names: African Milk Barrel, Spiny Euphorbia, Madagascar Spurge

Appearance

A columnar, cactus-like succulent with ribbed, blue-green stems covered in rows of sharp, gray to brown spines.

Develops a clumping, shrubby form over time, with multiple stems emerging from the base.

Can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide.

Care & Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade; bright light encourages compact growth and vibrant color.

Soil: Well-draining, sandy or cactus mix soil.

Watering: Drought-tolerant; allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Temperature: Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; not frost-hardy and should be kept above 30°F (-1°C).

Humidity: Prefers low humidity and dry conditions.

Flower

Produces small, yellow-green flowers that emerge from the stem ridges in spring and summer.

Flowers are subtle and often go unnoticed compared to the striking stems.

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets; contains a milky latex sap that can cause skin irritation and is harmful if ingested.

Always wear gloves when handling to avoid contact with the sap.

This thorny, cactus-like Euphorbia is a stunning, low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry, warm conditions!