Desert Candle (Euphorbia abyssinica) – Succulent plants

Desert Candle (Euphorbia abyssinica) is an evergreen, tree-like Euphorbia growing to 7.5 m by 5 m at a medium rate and forming either large stands or growing as a solitary plant. The thick, green main trunk, which becomes woody with age, supports many 5- to 8-angled, branching stems. The leaves form on young growth at the end of the branches but fall in the dry season. At intervals along the stem angles or ribs are small, rounded structures from which leaves, flowers or spines may grow. The male flowers are reduced to a single stamen and the female flowers consist of a stalked pistil with branched stigmas. The flowers are without petals but are surrounded by noticeable yellow bracts.

Scientific classification:

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. abyssinica

Scientific Name: Euphorbia abyssinica
Synonyms: Euphorbia acrurensis, Euphorbia aethiopum, Euphorbia candelabrum var. erythraeae, Euphorbia controversa, Euphorbia disclusa, Euphorbia erythraeae, Euphorbia grandis, Euphorbia neglecta, Euphorbia neutra, Euphorbia obovalifolia, Euphorbia officinarum var. kolquall, Euphorbia richardiana.
Common Name: Desert Candle

How to grow and maintain the Desert Candle (Euphorbia abyssinica):

Light:
It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provides good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it regularly so that your plant doesn’t begin to grow lopsided.

Soil:
It grows well in well-draining, gritty soils or cactus potting mix. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil.

Water:
You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. Before watering the plant check underneath the pot through the drainage holes to see if the roots are dry. If so then add some water. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, that can potentially kill it off.

Temperature:
It prefers an optimal temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit – 85 degrees Fahrenheit / 16 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during its growing season in the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing your plant during the fall and winter months.

Propagation:
Euphorbia can be easily propagated by cuttings. Take cutting in spring, which needs to be dried out for a couple of weeks before potting. Also can be propagated from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate.

Pests and Diseases:
Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.