Euphorbia cooperi – Succulent plants

Euphorbia cooperi (also called as Transvaal candelabra tree) tree-like evergreen succulent shrub with branches that grow outwards and then straight upwards just like a giant candelabra. It is a small to medium size, 4-7 m, with sparse density. The branches do not split again, unlike the common tree Euphorbia. The swollen branches are constricted into triangular segments along the entire length. The branches have four or five sides with pairs of sharp spines at regular intervals along each ridge.

The yellowish-green, bisexual flowers, which are clustered along ridges between the spines, are found in groups of three cymes situated towards the tips of the branches. The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Therefore Euphorbia cooperi should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets.

Scientific classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. cooperi
Scientific Name: Euphorbia cooperi N.E.Br. ex A.Berger
Common Name: Lesser Candelabra Tree, Transvaal candelabra tree, or Bushveld candelabra euphorbia.

How to grow and care for Euphorbia cooperi

Light

It prefers full to partial sunlight. Provide good sunlight at least 3-5 hours of the day, and turn it in 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

Water regularly during the growing season. You can allow the soil to dry out between each watering. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. Do not water too often to prevent overwatering, which can potentially kill it off.

Temperature

It prefers an optimal temperature 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 cooperi can be easily propagated by seed and cuttings. Take cutting in spring, which needs to be dried out for a couple of weeks in shade before potting. This can be tricky, because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias.

Pruning

Pruning only necessary to remove dead or damaged branches or stems. Don’t forget to wear your gloves.

Pests and Diseases

Euphorbia may be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, occasionally spider mites.