2022 | How to Care for Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

Euphorbia Lactea is commonly known as the Coral Cactus, Candelabrum Tree, Candelabra Cactus, Candelabra Plant, Dragon Bones, and is a coral succulent plant, mostly found in India. It can grow up to 16 feet if planted in an outdoor environment, but for indoors, it only grows 2 feet tall. This shrub-like succulent has an erected stem and multiple branches that spread all around.

Its branches are green on outer edges, while white in the middle and its thorns are black. Sometimes the edges of the plant also become pink due to natural stress. This multi-color appearance makes this plant a perfect choice for indoor decoration. The plant also grows flowers during its blooming season, but these flowers have no fragrance. Apart from its ornamental uses, this plant is also used as herbal medicine.

How to Water Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

This is a succulent plant and has water needs similar to other succulent plants. This best way to water it is using the “soak and dry” method. You need to make sure that the soil in the pot has completely dried and then water it.

• To check if the soil has dried or not, you need to put your finger in the pot to check for moisture or try to pick the pot in hands and check for the weight.
• If the pot is heavy that means it has some water inside and no watering is needed. But if the pot is not heavy that means it is completely dried.
• You need to water it sparingly and make sure that the water reaches the bottom layer of the pot.
• During the summer plant needs frequent watering than in the winter days, so, water schedule should be according to the season as well.

Lighting and Temperature needs for Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

Like all other succulent plants, Coral Cactus also needs plenty of light. If it is provided with enough light, it shows speedy growth but if you are planting it inside, make sure to place it near the window that faces east. This will help your plant get enough light.

This plant can tolerate the cold temperatures of up to 30° Fahrenheit but only for a short period. Similarly, very hot temperatures can cause the plant to wilt and die. That is why the best temperature to grow this plant is room temperature 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). In humid environments, the plant shows the fastest growth.

Soil needs for Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

Euphorbia Lactea needs soil that can quickly drain and does not traps the moisture inside. This is because the roots of the Coral Cactus are very delicate and cannot survive if the water is trapped in the soil. You can then use the same soil for it that you use for the other succulent. If you do not have any, you can also create soil for the Coral Cactus as well.

You need sand, potting soil, fertilizer, compost, wood chips, perlite, vermiculite. Try crushing these and mix them, add some pebbles of small size at the bottom of the planter but do not cover the drain hole.

Fertilizer for Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

If you want to see your plant grow faster even in the indoor environment, you need to add some house plant fertilizer while making the soil for potting before the plantation, After that you can create a mixture of house plant fertilizer and water.

Feed your plant with this mixture once a month. Do not overfeed it the fertilizers because its root can also get damaged due to the overfeeding of the fertilizers and your plant may even die.

How to Repot Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

As the Euphorbia Lactea grows fast, you need to repot it soon because it will outgrow the pot or container it is currently in. repotting it is important because if you don’t repot it into a bigger pot, the plant’s growth will stop.

First, you need to create the soil for the Euphorbia Lactea. Then fill the pot more with the soil. After that, you need to transfer the plant from one pot to another with extreme care. After that provide it water and leave it outside for a few days.

How to Propagate Euphorbia Lactea (Coral Cactus)

The best time to propagate the coral cactus is the summer season. You need cuttings from the mature plant. Take a knife that is sharp enough and then carefully cut the “V” into the upper portion of the plant.

Once your cuttings are calloused over transfer them to the pot. Give them a little water and place them in outside environment or in a window where they can get plenty of light. They grow faster in warm and humid conditions.

Growing from Seeds:

You can grow Coral Cactus from the seeds as well. You need to keep the seeds at a humid place, and after a few days transfer them into the pot. But the seeds are hard to find and difficult to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Methods to propagate or grow the Coral Cactus?

Answer: There are two methods to grow the Coral Cactuses, one is using the seeds of the plant and the other is through the cuttings, but both procedures are hard. Especially growing it from the seeds is extremely hard.

Question: Is the Coral Cactus poisonous?

Answer: Yes, The Coral Cactus contains a milky latex, this can be dangerous to some animals and even humans.  Also try not to touch its throne, because they can pierce into the skin and cause pain.

Question: Why is my coral cactus turning pink?

Answer: The color of the Coral Cactuses edges can turn pink when happily stressed. This happens naturally and it makes the plant look even more beautiful.

 Question: How big can a coral cactus grow?

Answer: In the optimal conditions and outdoor environments, it can grow up to 16 feet, but when grown inside, it can only reach up to 2 feet.

See also:

Best Soil for Succulents

Best Pots for Succulents