Euphorbia Tirucalli Plants

Identification

• Euphorbia tirucalli grows with a bush-like formation. It usually has no leaves, displaying bare cylindrical branches about 1/4 inch thick. It may form leaves at the tips of branches, but they fall off quickly. The branches are the source of most of this plant's colloquial names; they are green and somewhat finger-like, and contain milky sap. The plant can grow to a height of 15 to 30 feet, and blooms with insignificant yellow flowers.

Uses

• Euphorbia tirucalli has been grown as a source of oil and latex, and is used as a remedy for various ailments in places like Brazil and India. More often, however, it is kept as an ornamental plant. In the United States, it is best adapted to the southwest and a few areas of the southeast, but it can be kept as a houseplant in other areas. It tends to grow well indoors as long as it is given the proper growing conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Euphorbia tirucalli grows best in a hot, dry environment with ample sunlight and a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.5. It is tolerant of salty and alkaline soils, as well as drought and extreme heat, but avoid over watering (the soil should be allowed to dry between waterings) or exposing euphorbia tirucalli to frost and freezing temperatures.

Considerations

• Some people may be allergic to the sap of Euphorbia tirucalli, and all parts of this plant are mildly toxic if swallowed. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and skin exposure typically causes a minor rash or swelling which goes away within a few minutes.