Euphorbia stenoclada

Evergreen succulent shrub or tree, up to 20 feet tall.

It has a nice blue-green coloration with very sharp but thick, succulent spines. The new growth is more green and soft to the touch, but hardens in a few months.The sap of this Euphorbia is generally not irritating on the skin, but avoid putting any in your mouth or eyes.

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Euphorbia tirucalli

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Bush) is native to tropical Africa and ranges from Swaziland to Zambia and towards Nigeria in the west. It is an evergreen, drought-resistant perennial, with a variety of forms and sizes. It can grow as a large shrub, 5 to 10 feet tall, or as a small tree, 10 to 20 feet tall. For successful growth, it needs full sun with moderate water requirements.

Euphorbia tirucalli is a mature plant, cold hardy to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time. USDA Zone 9-11 allows for the growth of this plant.

In regions with cooler climates, growing Euphorbia tirucalli in a pot can be a good choice. Adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot helps to improve drainage and prevent overwatering for a healthy, thriving succulent. The pot should receive direct sunlight for a few hours every day.

Pruning is rarely required as it is naturally branchless. Also, one should exercise caution when pruning as the sap can cause skin irritation. An annual application of fertilizer should suffice to maintain the plant health.

Euphorbia tirucalli is a beautiful and low maintenance plant that is easy to grow and makes a great addition to any garden. With appropriate growing conditions and care, these succulents can thrive and be enjoyed for many years. The plant should be handled with care as the sap from its leaves irritates eyes and skin.

Euphorbia tithymaloides, Pedilanthus tithymaloides

This large shrub 5-10 ft tall is native to the tropical Americas and is known for its ornamental foliage and pink flowers. Its common name is the Devil's Backbone. It is a rather irritant plant due to the presence of a milky sap. When it comes to growing care for Euphorbia tithymaloides, it is not a very demanding plant. It needs full sun during the fall and winter, and semi-shade in the summer. It is best to keep the potting mixture moist, but not too wet, especially when the room temperature is below 60F. Liquid fertilizer should be given to the plant once a month. It is recommended to use a well drained sandy mixture when planting, and a small pot. If necessary, you can change the pot size to one that is slightly bigger when the roots become crowded.

Euphorbia tithymaloides can be grown USDA Zone 9-11. In colder climate it can be grown in a pot. Be sure to bring the plant indoors during the winter in colder climates.

Overall, Euphorbia tithymaloides is a low-maintenance, hardy plant with beautiful pink flowers and ornamental foliage, making it a great addition to any home.

Euphorbia trigona

Euphorbia umbellata, Synadenium compactum, Synadenium grantii, Euphorbia bicompacta var.rubrafolia

The African Milk Bush, or Euphorbia umbellata, is a moderate grower with blue-green, ornamental foliage featuring long, thin leaflets. It can be irritating if touched. This plant is best suited for full sun to semi-shade and is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant tree that does not require much pruning or fertilizing. It is important to water deeply during the summer and frequently if grown in a container.

This plant grows into a shrub or small tree, reaching up to 16 feet tall. It has thick stems that exude a white, poisonous milk when damaged and fleshy leaves that are 5 to 7 inches long. It requires moderate watering and good drainage. All parts of the plant are poisonous due to the milky sap.

In colder climates, it is recommended to grow the African Milk Bush in a container and bring it indoors during the winter. Covering the foliage with a frost blanket can also extend the temperature range in which this plant can thrive. With proper care, the African Milk Bush will bring beauty and ornamental foliage to your landscape for many years.