Candelilla – Desert Horizon Nursery

Candelilla

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Light
Water
Very low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Occasional summer irrigation improves appearance; reduce watering substantially in winter.
Description
Candelilla is a sculptural desert succulent with slender, upright, wax-coated stems and tiny, short-lived leaves. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert, it thrives in Phoenix’s heat and dry conditions.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Sap (latex) is a skin/eye irritant; toxic if ingested
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; tolerates reflected heat once established.

Water: Very low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Occasional summer irrigation improves appearance; reduce watering substantially in winter.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Tolerates alkaline soil; avoid persistently wet or heavy, poorly drained soil.

Mature size: Typically 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; slowly spreads wider through underground rhizomes.

Bloom: Primarily spring through early summer, with occasional additional blooms during warm weather after rain.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen stems; tiny leaves are shed quickly, especially during dry conditions.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; faster with occasional supplemental water during warm weather.