Light
Full sun / direct • approx. 40,000–80,000 lux
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Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia tirucalli
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
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Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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Euphorbia tirucalli
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~90–100% dry
Substrate
Gritty • Ultra fast-draining • Mineral-heavy • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–30 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Normal 40–50 %
Growth habit
Upright succulent shrub.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
High
Max size indoors
Max. height: 200 cm • Max. spread: 90 cm
Toxicity & safety
Toxic
Origin & habitat
Native to Madagascar
Outdoor growing
Outside from 12 °C · sheltered spot
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Euphorbia tirucalli – African Milkbush with Striking Pencil-Like Stems
Euphorbia tirucalli, also called African milkbush or pencil cactus, is a dramatic succulent shrub that swaps broad leaves for dense clusters of bright green, pencil-thin stems. Over time, these cylindrical branches create bold, sculptural shapes indoors. With enough light, the tips may flush orange to red, giving the plant a fiery accent that makes it stand out in any collection. Minimalist, resilient, and architectural, this Euphorbia is a favourite for growers who want something eye-catching yet low-maintenance.
What Makes Euphorbia tirucalli Special
- Distinct form: Smooth, upright, cylindrical stems instead of leafy growth
- Colour shifts: Fresh green stems with orange-red tips under strong sun
- Vertical presence: Space-saving habit ideal for modern interiors
- Longevity: Can live for decades indoors with basic care
- Indoor height: Up to 1.5 – 2 m in large pots; much taller in the wild
Native Range and Background
This species comes from the semi-arid savannas and rocky hillsides of tropical Africa, where it thrives in poor soils, high heat, and minimal rainfall. Its stems store water, and the plant drops leaves quickly to conserve energy during drought. Outdoors it can form vast shrubs, but indoors growth is slower and more contained.
Toxicity: The latex sap is extremely irritating to skin and eyes and poisonous if ingested. Handle with gloves and keep away from pets and children. CITES: Listed under Appendix II (2024) – international trade is regulated. Always source from certified growers.
Care Indoors
- Light: Requires strong sun or grow lights; south-facing exposure preferred
- Water: Deep soak, then allow soil to dry completely; overwatering quickly causes rot
- Temperature: Best between 18 – 30 °C; avoid drops below 15 °C
- Soil: Gritty, mineral-rich cactus mix for fast drainage
- Potting: Terracotta containers provide stability and promote airflow
- Feeding: Diluted cactus fertiliser once a month during active growth
- Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years, or when rootbound; plant prefers snug pots
- Propagation: Take stem cuttings, allow to callus for several days, then root in dry mix. Protect skin from sap.
Typical Issues and Solutions
- Root rot: Nearly always caused by excess moisture – reduce watering and improve drainage
- Shrivelling stems: Often a sign of underwatering or inadequate light – adjust care promptly
- Pests: Mealybugs or spider mites may appear; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Sap contact: Can cause severe skin or eye irritation; wash immediately with soap and water
Notes of Interest
In Africa, Euphorbia tirucalli has been used as natural fencing, fuelwood, and historically as a latex source. However, its caustic sap makes it unsafe for medicinal use. In some tropical regions it behaves invasively, so dispose of cuttings responsibly.
Etymology
The genus Euphorbia commemorates Euphorbus, physician to King Juba II of Numidia. The species epithet tirucalli derives from a local African name. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753).
Bring Home Euphorbia tirucalli
Add sculptural, drought-proof elegance to your collection with the African milkbush. Bold, long-lived, and low-maintenance, this Euphorbia thrives on sunlight and simplicity. Order now from certified sources for a safe, sustainable addition to your home or greenhouse.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
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