Euphorbia stellispina

🌿 Euphorbia stellispina Care

Euphorbia stellispina, commonly known as Sterretjie-noors or Star-spined Euphorbia, is a distinctive South African succulent native to the Central Karoo and parts of Namaqualand.

🌱 Growing & Care

☀️ Light

Prefers full sun to bright light. Several hours of direct sunlight encourage strong, compact growth and healthy stem development. It can also tolerate some light shade, particularly when growing under extremely hot conditions.

💧 Watering

Water moderately during the active growing season, allowing the growing medium to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly rather than giving frequent small amounts.

Reduce watering during winter, but avoid keeping the plant completely dry for excessively long periods. It is drought-tolerant once established.

🪴 Soil

Requires a well-draining, sandy or gritty growing medium. A mixture of sandy loam, pumice, coarse sand and fine gravel works well.

It naturally grows in deep soils, dry stony slopes and open flats, so good drainage is essential.

🌡️ Temperature

This is a relatively hardy South African succulent that tolerates considerable temperature fluctuations. It can withstand hot summers reaching approximately 45°C and winter temperatures around -5°C in its natural habitat.

Nevertheless, container-grown plants benefit from protection against prolonged cold and wet conditions.

🌸 Flowering

Produces attractive pale yellow flowers near the terminal growing points. The flowers are relatively small but provide seasonal interest. Bees and occasionally wasps are responsible for pollination.

An interesting feature is that the species has separate male and female plants. Both are needed for successful seed production.

🌱 Feeding

Feed sparingly during active growth with a diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser. Avoid excessive feeding, as this can encourage soft growth.

✂️ Maintenance

Requires very little pruning. As the plant matures, it naturally develops additional stems and forms a multi-stemmed clump. Remove damaged growth when necessary.

🌿 Propagation

Can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.

• Seeds should be collected when the capsules turn light brown and begin to mature.

• Sow in a sandy, well-draining growing medium.

• Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry thoroughly before planting.

Seed capsules open explosively when mature, dispersing seeds around the parent plant.

⚠️ Important

Like other Euphorbias, E. stellispina produces a milky latex sap that can irritate the skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact and keep the plant away from children and pets.

🌿 Boho Blooms Growing Tip

Euphorbia stellispina is an excellent choice for collectors who appreciate unusual South African succulents. Its star-shaped spines and architectural growth make it a real standout.

Although naturally drought-resistant, it benefits from adequate seasonal watering during active growth. Give it plenty of sunlight, a well-draining growing medium and good airflow to encourage healthy development.

Plants on offer: 6-10cm rooted. Shipped without pot or soil.

Have a look at our other available Euphorbia!