Euphorbia horrida (WA Prohibited)

Euphorbia horrida is a spiny, columnar succulent species native to the arid interior of South Africa, particularly the Karoo region, where it grows in well-drained, stony soils under full sun. It forms upright to slightly clumping stems with pronounced vertical ribs and thick, paired spines that resemble those of many cacti. Stem colour ranges from glaucous blue-green to greyish green and often intensifies under strong light. The spines, emerging from hardened stipules, are reddish when young and age to a grey or brown tone. Small, yellow-green cyathia appear near the upper ribs of mature stems, usually during the warmer growing season.

Care Tips:

• Light – Requires full sun or very bright light; promotes compact growth and spine development
• Water – Water infrequently; allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings
• Humidity – Prefers dry air and good ventilation; avoid prolonged humidity
• Media – Use a sharply draining mix with coarse sand or pumice
• Temperature – Maintain above 10°C; protect from frost and excessive moisture
• Fertiliser – Feed with a diluted cactus fertiliser during active growth
• Repotting – Repot only when rootbound or when renewing depleted soil

Additional Notes:

• Known to be toxic