African Milk Barrel - Euphorbia horrida | CactusWarehouse
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African Milk Barrel Euphorbia horrida

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$12.95
Size

Plant facts

SunlightFull sun to partial shade
WaterLow water. Only when soil is fully dry
USDA zones9,10,11, hardy to about 20F
Mature sizeBarrel stems typically 3-5 in thick, slowly clustering and reaching up to about 3 ft tall and 1-2 ft wide over many years. Stays compact in a container. Approximate, may vary.
Time to matureSlow-growing. Takes many years to build a large multi-stem cluster. Approximate, may vary.
LivesIndoors or outdoors
Ships asRooted plant, bare root, no pot or soil
What to expect in the box
You will receive one rooted, bare-root Euphorbia horrida shipped without soil or a pot. After arrival: wear gloves when handling, as the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes. Unbox promptly and let the plant rest in a shaded, dry spot for 1-2 days. Pot it up in a sandy, fast-draining cactus mix in a container with a drainage hole. Wait about a week before the first watering so the roots can settle, then begin a normal soak and dry routine. Rib count, spination, and coloring vary naturally, so your plant will have its own character.

Cacti can look slightly dull after a few days in a dark box. Color returns within a week or two of bright light. If your area drops below 40F, we recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as one is not automatically included.

Euphorbia horrida, the African Milk Barrel, is a South African succulent that does a remarkable cactus impression. Its ribbed, blue-green barrel stems are lined with stiff gray spines (actually dried flower stalks) and slowly cluster into a striking, sculptural clump. It is a favorite for collectors who want serious desert character in a compact, easy plant.

Give it full sun to light shade and water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. It tolerates brief cold snaps if kept dry, but it is happiest warm and bright.

Handle with care: like all Euphorbias, it has a milky latex sap that can irritate skin and eyes and is harmful if ingested. Wear gloves when handling and keep it away from pets and children.

  • Light: Full sun to light shade
  • Water: Low. Soak and dry, monthly or less in winter
  • Hardiness: USDA zones 9 to 11, keep dry in cold
  • Growth: Slow-growing, clustering barrel to about 3 ft over many years

Please note: This is a rooted, bare-root plant shipped without soil or a pot. Rib count, spination, and coloring vary naturally from plant to plant.

Cold Weather Warning

If your area drops below 40°F during the colder months, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as we don’t automatically include one. This helps keep your plants safe in transit. 🌡️❄️

👉 [Buy Heat Packs Here]

Product Details

Cactus Care

The African Milk Barrel is tough and undemanding. Sun, sharp drainage, and restraint with water are all it needs. Always handle it with gloves.

  • Light: Full sun to light shade. Strong light keeps the barrel compact and the spines dense.
  • Water: Soak and dry. Deep water every 2-3 weeks in the growing season, monthly or less in winter.
  • Soil: Sandy, fast-draining cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can take brief cold near 25 F only if bone dry. Protect from frost.
  • Safety: The milky sap irritates skin and eyes and is harmful if ingested. Wear gloves, wash up after handling, and keep away from pets and children.

Shipping & Guarantee

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

  • Schedule: Orders ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Delivery Time: Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days once shipped.
  • Rates: Free shipping on orders $99+ (Continental US). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95.
  • Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS with full tracking

  • Safe Packaging: Each cactus is wrapped in protective kraft paper to reduce movement. During cold weather, you have the option to add heat packs to keep your plants safe.
  • Care Instructions: Every package includes simple, step-by-step care instructions so you know exactly what to do after arrival.
  • 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: If your cactus doesn’t arrive healthy and happy, we’ll make it right. Email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com and we’ll take care of you.

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