The Euphorbia ammak, commonly known as Ammak or Desert Cactus, is a striking succulent plant native to the arid regions of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. Despite its common name, it is not a true cactus but belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Another variety of the African candelabra is the Euphorbia ammak variegata.
Apart from the Variegated African candelabra, this desert cactus has several other common names, such as the Variegated Euphorbia, Candelabra Cactus, ghost euphorbia, variegated candelabra spurge, and African Milk Tree. These names reflect its distinctive candelabra-like growth pattern and milky white sap.
The Euphorbia ammak features a tall, columnar growth habit, similar to the shape of a Menorah, which can reach impressive heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) in its natural habitat. The stems are ribbed and covered with prominent spines or thorns. The plant's color ranges from green to yellow, with the older stems often developing a textured, rough bark.
Clusters of small leaves form along the margins of the Ammak with flowers budding in the Spring/Summer time. Euphorbia ammak is known for its adaptability to arid conditions, and its ability to store water in its thick stems, enabling it to survive in dry environments.
General Care Tips for Euphorbia Ammak
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from too much care and watering than from neglect.
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How to take cuttings of euphorbia ammak cactus variegata with jim hall - cactus country
- Light: Place your Euphorbia plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. When grown indoors, the Euphorbia ammak loves bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day. When grown outdoors, your Euphorbia ammak will thrive in full sun or partial shade for at least 4-6 hours a day.
- Watering: Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH but cannot tolerate wet soil. Your Euphorbia ammak prefers well-draining soil that mimics its natural habitat, and should be fertilized once a year in spring.
- Fertilizing: African Candelabra grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition.
- Temperature: When it comes to indoor temperature, the Euphorbia ammak thrives in warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F for extended periods.
- Humidity: African Candelabra enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. As for humidity, this plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels.
Detailed Care Instructions
Light Requirements
Yes, the Euphorbia ammak can tolerate full sun. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but it can also handle direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours each day. Just make sure to acclimate the plant gradually to prevent sunburn.
Watering
The Variegated African Candelabra (Euphorbia ammak) is highly drought-tolerant, storing water in its thick, sculptural stems to withstand long dry spells. This resilience means it prefers infrequent but deep watering rather than constant moisture.
In the spring and summer, during its active growing season in spring and summer, water thoroughly using the “soak and dry” method, saturate the soil until excess drains out, then allow it to dry completely before the next watering.
In the fall and winter, during the cooler months, when the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering dramatically. A light drink once every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient, just enough to keep the stems from shriveling. Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with African Candelabra.
Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil.
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Soil and Repotting
Euphorbia ammak is not a heavy feeder, so you don't need to fertilize it frequently. A mix of cactus potting soil and perlite or pumice works great. To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Variegated African Candelabra after it doubles in size or once a year-whichever comes first.
Dormancy
It’s common for African Candelabra to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down.
Propagation
The seeds of African Candelabra can be used to grow new plants! To propagate your variegated African candelabra, you can use stem cuttings taken from the plant during the growing season. Make sure to cut just below a leaf node and remove any lower leaves before placing the cutting in a well-draining soil mix.
Toxicity
Yes, the Euphorbia ammak is considered to be mildly toxic for both humans and pests. It contains a milky sap that can irritate skin and is harmful if ingested.
All parts of Euphorbia are toxic and the milk-like sap created from cutting or breaking the branches can be irritating to the skin. Variegated African Candelabra is extremely dangerous if consumed.
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If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Handle your Euphorbia ammak with care, wearing gloves to protect against the toxic sap. Keep the plant away from children and pets due to its toxicity.
Pests
Euphorbias has minimal pests, which include mealybugs. To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of infestation using a cotton swab.
Key Characteristics of Euphorbia Ammak
Here is a table summarizing the key characteristics of Euphorbia Ammak:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Ammak, Desert Cactus, Variegated Euphorbia, Candelabra Cactus, ghost euphorbia, variegated candelabra spurge, African Milk Tree |
| Native To | Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia |
| Growth Habit | Tall, columnar, candelabra-like |
| Height | Up to 20 feet (6 meters) |
| Stems | Ribbed, covered with spines or thorns |
| Color | Green to yellow, with textured bark on older stems |
| Leaves | Small, along the margins, budding in Spring/Summer |
| Adaptability | Arid conditions, water storage in stems |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic; milky sap can irritate skin and is harmful if ingested |
