Featured Plant of the Week (Crested Euphorbia)

Crested Euphorbia

This curious looking succulent is known as Euphorbia lactea cristata, though it’s sometimes called candelabra, coral cactus, or even dragon-bones. It comes from tropical Asia and India, where it is sometimes used medicinally. However, all parts of the plant contain a mildly poisonous milky sap which irritates the skin and eyes. Looking roughly like a fan covered in numerous thick spines, these odd plants come in an array of variegated yellows, greens, whites and pinks.

Strangest of all, the euphorbia pictured here are actually not one plant but two grafted together. Usually the crested euphorbia is grafted to the top of some other succulent, creating its famously peculiar appearance.

Crested Euphorbia prefers a warm place, with lots of bright light. Like most succulents, watering should only occur once the soil has become dry to the touch. If the root system sits in water for long, it will begin to rot. Otherwise the plant is very easy to care for, and makes an excellent indoor house plant.