African milk barrel Euphorbia horrida

Water

The African milk barrel's watering needs to be cautious as overwatering can be damaging. Water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry, which typically means once every two to three weeks in active growth periods like spring and summer. During these months, you may provide about one to two gallons depending on the size of the plant and planter. In fall and winter, reduce watering frequency further to once every four weeks or less as the plant enters dormancy. Always ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

Light

African milk barrel thrives in bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. A south-facing window is ideal for this succulent, as it mimics its native habitat where it receives strong sunlight. However, it can also adapt to bright indirect light if necessary, but keep in mind that too little light can hinder its growth.

Temperature

African milk barrel enjoys warm temperatures and should be kept in conditions ranging from 60 to 85°F for optimal growth. This plant is not frost-hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 30°F as it could suffer serious damage. The ideal temperature range for the African milk barrel is on the warmer side to mimic its natural arid environment.

Pruning

Pruning the African milk barrel is not regularly necessary. If pruning is required to remove dead or damaged parts to maintain the plant's appearance, it should be done cautiously using gloves and sanitized tools to prevent sap exposure. The best time for pruning is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

African Milk Barrel requires a well-draining soil mix with a pH around 5.5 to 6.0. A good recipe is one part perlite or coarse sand, two parts potting soil, and one part pumice.

Repotting

African Milk Barrel should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

African Milk Barrel thrives in low to moderate humidity levels typical of indoor environments and does not require high humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place African Milk Barrel in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Grow African Milk Barrel in full sun to partial shade outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as African Milk Barrel, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm and well-drained soil conditions. After germination, the seedling slowly develops fleshy, spiky green stems that are characteristic of the species, with the process of photosynthesis predominantly taking place in the stems since leaves are reduced to spines. As the plant matures, it may produce small, inconspicuous yellow flowers, typically in the late spring or early summer, which are followed by the development of fruit that contains seeds for reproduction. The African Milk Barrel experiences slow growth throughout its life, often taking several years to reach maturity. Once mature, it continues to produce flowers and seeds annually, thereby continuing its life cycle, while also having the ability to propagate vegetatively from cuttings, leading to clonal offspring. Under optimal conditions and with proper care, Euphorbia horrida can live for many years, being a perennial plant with a potentially long lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as African Milk Barrel, is by stem cuttings. The ideal time for this process is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early summer. To propagate, a healthy stem section is carefully cut using a sharp, sterilized knife. The cutting should be about 2 to 4 inches long (approximately 5 to 10 centimeters). It is crucial to allow the cut end of the stem to callus over for about a week before planting. This can be done by leaving the cutting in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight. Once callused, the cutting can be placed in a well-draining cactus potting mix and watered sparingly until it establishes roots.