Euphorbia guentheri

🌿 Euphorbia guentheri Care

Euphorbia guentheri, commonly known as Sausage Spurge, is an unusual succulent native to Kenya, East Africa. Previously classified as Monadenium guentheri, it is now recognised as a member of the genus Euphorbia.

It is a tuberous, clumping succulent with long, fleshy, cylindrical stems covered in distinctive raised, spine-tipped tubercles. Its stems can grow upright or spread outwards, eventually forming an attractive cluster. The fleshy, sickle-shaped green leaves appear along the stems but are deciduous and fall during dormancy.

One of its most interesting features is its small flowers, surrounded by greenish-white bracts with attractive purple markings and reddish flower glands.

🌱 Growing & Care

☀️ Light

Prefers bright light to full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but good sunlight encourages compact growth and healthy stems. Acclimatise gradually when moving plants from shade into stronger sunlight to prevent scorching.

💧 Watering

Water thoroughly during active growth, allowing the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings. It appreciates more water during warm growing periods but is particularly sensitive to prolonged wet conditions.

Reduce watering considerably during winter dormancy, especially when the leaves begin to fall.

🪴 Soil

Requires a very well-draining, airy growing medium. A mixture containing pumice, lava grit, coarse sand and a small amount of succulent potting soil works well.

Avoid heavy soils that retain excessive moisture around the tuberous roots.

🌡️ Temperature

Prefers warm conditions and is sensitive to frost. Protect from temperatures below approximately 7°C and avoid prolonged exposure to cold, wet weather.

🌸 Flowering

Produces small, unusual flowers with greenish-white bracts decorated with purple markings and reddish glands. Flowering generally occurs during the warmer growing season.

🌱 Feeding

Feed lightly during active growth using a diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser. Avoid excessive feeding, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilisers.

✂️ Propagation

Can be propagated from stem cuttings or seed. Allow stem cuttings to dry and callus before planting in a well-draining growing medium. Keep relatively dry until roots begin developing.

🍂 Dormancy

Euphorbia guentheri can lose its leaves during winter dormancy. This is a natural part of its growth cycle and is not necessarily a sign of poor health. Reduce watering while the plant is resting and gradually resume as new growth appears.

⚠️ Important

Like other Euphorbias, this plant produces milky latex sap that can cause skin and eye irritation. Avoid direct contact and keep it away from children and pets.

🌿 Boho Blooms Growing Tip

One of the most important things to remember when growing Euphorbia guentheri is that it has a seasonal growth cycle. It appreciates more water during warm, active growth but needs a much drier rest during winter. Avoid overwatering, particularly when the plant has dropped its leaves.

Plants on offer: 8-12m rooted. Shipped without pot or soil.

Have a look at our other available Euphorbia!