Euphorbia ferox cushion of short stout grey-green stems with long reddish-purple spines in a pot

Euphorbia Ferox

Euphorbia ferox
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Other Succulents
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Reduce watering substantially during cool weather, and never leave roots in standing water.
Size
1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Habit
Clustering succulent
Toxicity
Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant
Description
A compact South African succulent with upright, ribbed green stems and stout, reddish-purple spines; resembles a cactus but belongs to the euphorbia family.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Drought Tolerant, Thorny / Spiny
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Clustering succulent
Mature Size
1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Flower Color
Yellow-green
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Compact aloes, Gasteria, Golden barrel cactus, Zebra haworthiopsis
Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant
Toxic if ingested; milky sap is a severe skin/eye irritant
Care Instructions

Light: Bright light with morning sun and afternoon shade in Phoenix; acclimate gradually and avoid intense reflected summer heat.

Water: Low water; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Reduce watering substantially during cool weather, and never leave roots in standing water.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty cactus/succulent soil. In Phoenix clay soils, use a raised mound or a container with drainage holes.

Mature size: Typically 12–18 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide; old clumps may spread farther.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers typically appear in spring to early summer on established plants.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; tiny, short-lived leaves are usually absent.

Growth rate: Slow.