Overview

Introduce an exotic touch to your home with the captivating white variegated euphorbia lactea, also known as the Ghost Cactus. This stunning succulent, despite its common name, is not a true cactus but a member of the diverse Euphorbia family, native to arid regions of Africa including Eritrea, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Our live plant arrives in a 4″ pot, ready to enhance your indoor garden. Celebrated for its unique white and green marbled patterns, this particular variety is considered a rare cactus plant due to its striking variegation. It’s an ideal choice for plant enthusiasts seeking an unusual specimen that combines dramatic aesthetics with surprisingly easy care. The Euphorbia Lactea’s architectural form and vibrant coloration make it a focal point in any setting, providing year-round visual interest.

The white variegated euphorbia lactea is a resilient and self-sufficient plant, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty without demanding extensive attention. Its upright, candelabra-like branches feature sharp thorns, adding to its distinctive appearance. While it grows slowly, this succulent can eventually reach impressive heights of 3-4 feet, making it a long-term companion for your living space. The Ghost Cactus is not only a conversation starter but also a testament to nature’s artistry, offering a serene yet exotic presence. This candelabra cactus succulent is a must-have for collectors and beginners alike, promising a rewarding growing experience with its unique charm and robust nature.

Key Benefits

The white variegated euphorbia lactea offers numerous advantages, making it a highly desirable plant for various environments:

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The striking white variegation against the green stems creates a dramatic, ghostly effect, making it an instant focal point and conversation starter in any room. Its unique architectural shape adds modern elegance.
• Low Maintenance: This succulent is remarkably self-sufficient, requiring minimal watering and attention once established. It’s perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care, making euphorbia lactea care straightforward.
• Drought Tolerance: Native to dry climates, the Ghost Cactus is highly drought-tolerant, only needing water when its soil is completely dry. This resilience makes it forgiving if you occasionally forget to water.
• Adaptable to Light: While it thrives in bright sunlight, the Euphorbia Lactea is quite adaptable and can tolerate various light conditions, making it suitable for different indoor placements.
• Long-Lived Specimen: Although a slow grower, this plant is very long-lived, offering years of enjoyment and becoming a cherished part of your plant collection. Its enduring beauty is a testament to its hardiness.
• Exotic & Rare: Its distinctive appearance and variegated coloring make it a truly exotic and rare cactus plant, appealing to collectors and those looking for something out of the ordinary.
• Air Purification: Like many houseplants, it contributes to a healthier indoor environment by aiding in air purification, subtly improving the quality of the air around you.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your white variegated euphorbia lactea is relatively simple, as it is a low-maintenance succulent. The key to successful euphorbia lactea care lies in understanding its native arid environment. It thrives on bright light and infrequent watering. For light exposure, provide as much direct sunlight as possible. Indoors, place your plant in a south-facing window or a room that receives bright, filtered light throughout the day. If growing outdoors, ensure it’s in a spot with ample sunlight and minimal shade to encourage robust growth. The more light it receives, the more vibrant its variegation will become.

Watering is crucial for this candelabra cactus succulent. Being native to very dry ecosystems, it does not require frequent watering. Only water your plant once the soil is completely dry to the touch to prevent root rot. Proper drainage is essential, so ensure your pot has drainage holes. During its dormancy stage in fall and winter, reduce watering to once or twice a month. When repotting, which is best done in spring or summer, use a fast-drying cactus soil. Always wear gloves when handling the plant, as its milky sap can be an irritant. Allow 1-2 weeks after repotting before the next watering to let the roots heal and settle. This attention to detail will ensure your ghost cactus plant flourishes.

The white variegated euphorbia lactea prefers warmer temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. It generally thrives in USDA zones 9-11 if planted outdoors, but it is primarily grown as an indoor houseplant in most regions. Fertilize sparingly, if at all, during the growing season with a diluted succulent fertilizer. Watch out for common pests like mealybugs, and address them promptly with appropriate organic pesticides. While a slow grower, providing adequate space is important as it can grow quite tall. Understanding these fundamental care tips will ensure your rare cactus plant remains healthy and beautiful for many years.

Size & Details

This offering includes one white variegated euphorbia lactea live plant, similar to the images shown, delivered in a 4″ nursery pot. The plant’s height will vary but typically ranges from 6-10 inches from the soil line upon arrival, depending on growth. The Ghost Cactus is known for its slow growth rate but can eventually reach mature heights of 3-4 feet in ideal conditions, forming a striking, multi-branched specimen. Its columnar stems are adorned with distinctive white and green variegation, making each plant unique. This succulent is shipped actively growing and rooted in its container, ensuring a smooth transition to your home. It’s a robust and healthy specimen, ready to thrive with proper care. The 4″ pot size is perfect for immediate display or for repotting into a slightly larger container upon arrival, allowing room for initial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The white variegated euphorbia lactea is a slow grower but can eventually reach impressive heights of 3-4 feet tall when mature, given optimal growing conditions and ample space.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: Each ghost cactus plant is shipped in a 4-inch nursery pot, providing a good starting size for continued growth.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While it can be grown outdoors in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11), the white variegated euphorbia lactea is most commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant in the US due to its sensitivity to cold.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This succulent thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Outdoors, choose a spot with full sun exposure.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, euphorbia lactea care is considered low-maintenance. It’s very self-sufficient and drought-tolerant, making it suitable for beginners and busy plant owners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: You will receive one healthy, actively growing white variegated euphorbia lactea plant, rooted in its 4″ pot, carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
• Q: Is the milky sap from the plant harmful? A: Yes, the milky sap produced by the Euphorbia Lactea can be an irritant. It’s advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting.
• Q: How often should I water my candelabra cactus succulent? A: Only water when the soil is completely dry to the touch. This typically means less frequently than other houseplants, especially during cooler, dormant months.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for this rare cactus plant? A: A well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
• Q: When is the best time to repot? A: Spring or summer are the prime times for repotting your white variegated euphorbia lactea to allow it to establish quickly in its new container.