Euphorbia horrida Cactus
Product details
| Management number | 250425592 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$6.40 | Model Number | 250425592 | ||
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- Description
- Euphorbia horrida Cactus Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Euphorbia horrida, also called African Horned Cucumber Euphorbia, is a drought-tolerant succulent native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Though it resembles a cactus, it belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a true euphorbia succulent, growing in rocky, arid terrain under intense sun.
The plant is recognizable by its deeply ribbed, columnar stems adorned with sharp spines arranged in neat vertical rows. Over time, it grows in tight clusters, forming an impressive multi-stemmed mound.
Small cyathia, the characteristic flower-like structures of the Euphorbia genus, emerge at the stem tips during warmer months. Collectors and enthusiasts value the plant primarily for its bold architecture and year-round silvery-blue form.
Move it outside in summer to soak up direct sun, but provide cover from rain to prevent root rot and bring it back indoors before frost arrives. The milky sap causes skin and paw irritation, so keep it on a high shelf well out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children. You can leave it up to ten days without water.
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Euphorbia horrida Cactus grows well in bright indirect light to full direct sun, ideally near a south or east-facing window.
Water it every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer, then reduce to once a month or less in autumn and winter.
Euphorbia horrida does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with extra perlite or coarse grit.
It prefers temperatures between 50–95°F and should be protected from frost below 30°F.
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Euphorbia horrida is a slow grower that benefits from a diluted balanced fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9–11, tolerating brief dips to around 30°F but preferring frost-free conditions year-round. It grows outdoors in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Coastal areas of Oregon, warmer pockets of New Mexico, and protected microclimates across the Gulf Coast states also support this architectural drought-tolerant succulent outdoors.
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Q: How often should I water Euphorbia horrida Cactus?
A: Every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer, cutting back to once a month or less when temperatures drop in autumn and winter. Check that the soil has dried completely between waterings.
Q: Is this plant safe around pets?
A: Euphorbia horrida Cactus is not pet-safe. The milky sap causes skin and paw irritation on contact, so keep it on a high shelf away from cats, dogs, and small children.
Q: How much light does Euphorbia horrida need?
A: Place it near a sunny south or east-facing window where it receives several hours of direct sun daily. Move it outdoors in summer for maximum light exposure.
Q: How fast does it grow?
A: Euphorbia horrida grows slowly, adding modest height each year. Its gradual pace makes it well-suited to long-term display on shelves and windowsills without requiring frequent repotting.
Q: Can African Horned Cucumber Euphorbia be propagated?
A: Remove an offset or stem cutting carefully, let the cut dry and the sap cure for several days, then pot it into dry cactus mix. Water sparingly once roots establish.
Q: Is this succulent travel-friendly?
A: African Horned Cucumber Euphorbia handles dry spells well and will comfortably survive a 10-day trip without any watering.
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Succulent
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