The world of succulents and cacti can be fascinating, with plants that often resemble each other but have distinct characteristics. Among these intriguing plants are the African Palm Tree Cactus (Euphorbia loricata) and the Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia ingens). While the Candelabra Cactus looks like a cactus, it's actually a euphorbia.
This guide provides detailed information on how to care for these unique plants, ensuring they thrive in your home or garden. We'll cover everything from watering and lighting to pest control and propagation.
Euphorbia Ingens in Habitat
Understanding the African Palm Tree Cactus (Euphorbia loricata)
Euphorbia loricata, commonly known as the ‘African palm tree,’ belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This succulent is native to South Africa and is characterized by its slender leaves and long, sharp thorns.
Key Features:
- Slender, leafy succulent
- Long, sharp thorns
- Native to South Africa
Euphorbia 101, Loricata Mystery Solved
Care Tips:
The African palm tree is a beautiful succulent plant with slender leaves. This low-maintenance plant is suitable for beginner gardeners.
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- Light: Requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive. Full sun (6+ hrs.)--Partial shade (3-6 hrs.)
- Water: Thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Water regularly during the growing season. It will help the plant grow properly.
- Soil: Very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition.
- Fertilizer: 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: Can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b.
Propagation: Euphorbia loricata is easily propagated by cuttings in the late spring season. As with most succulent and cacti cuttings the wound needs to have time to dry and callus over, then plant the cutting in loose, well draining cactus soil and give it time to root.
Growth Rate: It is a relatively fast-growing and long-lived plant and once established, it will be content in its position and with its soil for years. It is a moderately fast grower and will quickly become large landscape masterpieces in just 3-5 years.
Problems: Few, but can get mealy bugs and scale, especially when grown as a houseplant.
Uses: A striking container plant in areas where temperatures drop below freezing.
Candelabra Cactus
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Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia ingens): The Massive Euphorbia
Candelabra cactus sounds like a cactus and looks like one, but is actually a euphorbia. Ingens in Latin means “massive” or “extraordinary,” and indeed, Euphorbia ingens can eventually become a massive 30 foot plus tree spreading equally as wide. However, it can take 20 years for the plant to reach that point under ideal conditions, making it accessible for many people to enjoy in smaller spaces for a long period of time.
Key Features:
- Columnar, upright euphorbia
- Branches grow out from the side of the trunk
- Green stems with 4-6 ridges and sharp spines
- Yellow-green flowers at the top
- Deep maroon fruit
This columnar, upright euphorbia grows out branches from the side of the trunk. Although the branches are quite irregular, giving each plant its own unique shape, overall, it stays upright and compact, giving it a clean look. The green stems have 4-6 ridges that have very sharp spines. Yellow-green flowers emerge from the top, attracting pollinators. Deep maroon fruit.
Care Tips:
- Light: Your Candelabra Cactus will do well in bright light to full sun.
- Water: Water your euphorbia when the soil volume is 100% dry. Water thoroughly until it flows out of the drainage hole. Discard excess water to discourage root rot. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilizer: Your Candelabra Cactus requires fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer. Apply an all-purpose, liquid plant food diluted to half strength. Before applying any type of plant food, make sure the soil is already damp-never apply to dry soil.
- Temperature: Your euphorbia loves warm temperatures between 60-90°F.
Flowering: Yes, you will see small yellow-green flowers at the top when it blooms.
Size:
Euphorbia ingens can eventually become a 30 foot plus tree if planted in the ground.
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.
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Mealybugs
Differentiating Euphorbias from Cacti
Euphorbias, including the Euphorbia ingens, are often confused with cacti. Most euphorbias are from Africa, while most cacti are from the Americas. Even though they are not related, they have developed similar ways of surviving the heat and drought, hence the similarities.
The easiest way to tell the two apart is by looking at the spines. If you look closely at the Euphorbia ingens, you'll see that the stems themselves have thorny edges. If you cut it off, white poisonous sap can emerge.
Additional Euphorbia Varieties and Their Care
Besides Euphorbia loricata and Euphorbia ingens, there are several other Euphorbia varieties that are popular as houseplants. Here’s a quick guide to their care:
| Plant Name | Light | Water | Temperature | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown of Flowers | Bright indirect light | Water when 75% of the soil volume is dry | 60-90°F | Feed monthly during active growth |
| Ghost Cactus | Bright, indirect light | Water when 100% of the soil volume is dry | 60-90°F | Fertilize sparingly in spring and summer |
| Pencil Cactus | Bright direct light | Water when 100% of the soil volume is dry | N/A | Wear gloves when handling |
| Poinsettias | Bright indirect sunlight | Water when the top inch of soil is dry | Daytime 65-75° F, Nighttime 55-60° F | Enjoy humidity levels between 50% - 75% |
| African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) | Bright Light | Water your plant to make all the potting mixture just moist with tepid water, then allow it to drain completely through the drain hole before removing the run-off water. | Daytime temperatures of 65 to 90° F. and nighttime temperatures ranging from 60 to 75° F | Protect your skin and eyes when working with the plant as the sap can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. |
A Word of Caution
Your Candelabra Cactus is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Euphorbia loricata is not safe to consume. 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. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the Pencil Cactus as it oozes a milky substance that is irritating to skin and eyes if handled incorrectly. The sap can be irritating to the mouth and stomach if ingested, sometimes causing vomiting. Ghost Cacti are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Take care to use gloves and protective eyewear when working with the plant. This plant leaks toxic, milky latex that flows from a wound and can cause traumatic skin and mucus membrane irritation.
