Euphorbia grandicornis aka Rhino Thorn

Taxonomy

Euphorbia grandicornis, also known as the cow's horn plant, is a succulent shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The plant gets its name from the large spines on its stems, which resemble the horns of a bull. This upright, multistemmed shrub can grow up to 6.6 feet tall and about the same in width, with zig-zag shaped stems and triangular segments that are approximately 6 inches long. The spines are grey or brownish and can reach up to 3 inches in length. The plant's tiny, scale-like leaves are found between the spines. Euphorbia grandicornis produces brilliant yellow flowers that grow just above the spines. This rare houseplant requires very little water and can thrive in long-lasting, direct light, preferably less than 1 foot from a window. Overall, Euphorbia grandicornis is an easy-to-care-for, ornamental plant that is sure to add a unique touch to any collection.

Common names

Rhino Thorn, Big Horned Euphorbia, Cow Horn

How to care for Rhino Thorn

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Rhino Thorn is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Rhino Thorn does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Rhino Thorn, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Rhino Thorn requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Big Horned Euphorbia is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Rhino Thorn plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Rhino Thorn plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Rhino Thorn grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Rhino Thorn’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia