Euphorbia lactea aka Candelabra Cactus

Euphorbia lactea, or mottled spurge, belongs to the spurge family. This succulent shrub can also form a small tree. It looks like a cactus, with stout, upright branches. Kew and NC State place its native range in Sri Lanka. It now grows in many warm parts of the world. Plants that escape gardens can form thick stands.

Garden plants reach 5–15 feet [1.5–4.6 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 5–10 feet [1.5–3 metres]. Indoor plants can stay at 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. LLIFLE reports heights near 20 feet [6 metres], or more, but rarely in gardens. The stems branch often and have three or four angles. White and pale green marks break up their green surface. Pairs of dark spines line the stem edges. Older plants may develop a brown trunk with cracked bark. Wounds release a white, sticky sap.

Small leaves grow at the shoot tips in summer. They soon fall, so plants stay bare most of the year. Sources differ on leaf shape, describing oval or round leaves. Flowers seldom appear and add little to the display. The small, yellowish flower structures are called cyathia. They may grow in pairs near the stem tips. Growers value the bold stems more than the flowers. The branching shape also gives interest through winter.

Grow this plant in sun or some shade. Soil must drain well, since roots cannot stand wet ground. Let the soil dry between rounds of watering. In summer, water enough to prevent long spells of complete dryness. Cut back on water during the winter months. The plant tolerates drought but cannot cope with frost. It suits outdoor gardens in USDA zones 10–11. Elsewhere, pots can spend winter indoors or stay inside year-round. In warm gardens, plants serve as hedges or single specimens. Growers can also raise new plants from stem cuttings.

NC State reports no major pest or disease problems. Aphids, mealybugs, mites, and nematodes may still cause trouble. Deer and rabbits tend to leave the plant alone. All parts are poisonous and should not enter food. Eating them can cause sickness or blisters in the mouth. The sap can inflame skin and cause severe eye damage. Wear gloves when handling or cutting the plant. Keep it away from children and pets.