Euphorbia horrida var striata

🌿 Euphorbia horrida var. striata Care

Euphorbia horrida var. striata is a striking, slow-growing, spiny succulent native to South Africa. It is particularly admired for its distinctive blue-grey to grey-green stems, which feature prominent, often wavy ribs with attractive pale longitudinal stripes.

Botanical note: This variety is also known as Euphorbia polygona var. striata. Kew currently treats Euphorbia horrida var. striata as a synonym of Euphorbia polygona.

☀️ Light

Prefers bright light to full sun. Several hours of direct sunlight encourage compact growth and help maintain the attractive grey-blue stem colouring and distinctive stripes. In extremely hot conditions, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching. Acclimatise plants gradually when increasing sun exposure.

💧 Watering

Water thoroughly during the warmer growing season, allowing the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering considerably during winter and cooler periods. Avoid prolonged moisture around the roots, as this can lead to root rot.

🪴 Soil

Requires a very well-draining, gritty growing medium. A mixture of succulent potting soil, pumice, coarse sand and fine gravel works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.

🌡️ Temperature

Prefers warm, dry conditions and is sensitive to frost. Protect from freezing temperatures and prolonged cold, wet weather. Good air circulation is beneficial, particularly when grown in containers.

🌸 Flowering

Produces small greenish-yellow cyathia near the growing points of mature stems. Although the flowers are relatively inconspicuous, they add an interesting botanical feature to this already attractive succulent.

🌱 Feeding

Feed sparingly during active growth with a diluted, low-nitrogen cactus or succulent fertiliser. Two or three light applications during the growing season are generally sufficient.

✂️ Propagation

Can be propagated from seed or by separating offsets when available. Allow any damaged or cut surfaces to dry before placing the plant material into a suitable growing medium.

🌿 Growth & Maintenance

This is a relatively slow-growing succulent that gradually develops into a multi-stemmed clump. It requires little pruning and is particularly attractive when allowed to develop its natural growth habit.

⚠️ Important

Like all Euphorbias, this plant produces a milky latex sap that can cause skin and eye irritation and is harmful if ingested. Avoid contact with the sap and keep the plant away from children and pets.

🌿 Boho Blooms Growing Tip

The beautiful grey-blue colouring and striped stems are the main attractions of Euphorbia horrida var. striata. Provide plenty of natural light, excellent drainage and careful watering. Allow the growing medium to dry completely between waterings, particularly during cooler months.

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

Have a look at our other available Euphorbia!