SKU: 39542207490
mermaid plant succulent

mermaid plant succulent Shop 'Mermaid Tail Cactus - Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted' Care and Info

Sale price$25.94 Regular price$28.82
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.21 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 21 - Jul 26

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

mermaid plant succulent Shop 'Mermaid Tail Cactus - Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted' Care and InfoThe Mermaid Tail Cactus, known as Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted, is a rare, eye catching succulent prized for its wave like crested form that resembles a mermaid's tail rising from the sea. This sculptural plant is widely adored for its surreal, fan shaped growth and bold ridges, making it a standout in succulent arrangements and a favorite among collectors. Its dramatic silhouette and ease of care have made it a must have in modern indoor gardens

The Mermaid Tail Cactus, known as Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted, is a rare, eye-catching succulent prized for its wave-like crested form that resembles a mermaid's tail rising from the sea. This sculptural plant is widely adored for its surreal, fan-shaped growth and bold ridges, making it a standout in succulent arrangements and a favorite among collectors. Its dramatic silhouette and ease of care have made it a must-have in modern indoor gardens and novelty plant displays.

It is a grafting combination of the Euphorbia lactea, a columnar cactus-like succulent, and the Euphorbia cristata, which has a crested growth form. This combination creates a visually stunning and captivating plant that is highly sought after by succulent enthusiasts. 

Native to tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka, the species Euphorbia lactea naturally grows as a tall, branching succulent with angular, spiny stems.

The crested mutation, however, develops when the plant’s growing tip fans out into a ruffled crest, giving it its mermaid tail-like appearance.

Since this form is not self-supporting in most cases, grafting is necessary to ensure the plant remains healthy and upright.

The distinctive feature of the Mermaid Tail Cactus is its undulating, ridged crest, often colored in varying shades of blue-green, gray, or silvery green, and sometimes outlined with soft pink or purple tones. The edges may appear wavy or jagged, resembling ocean coral or the gentle curve of a mermaid’s tail fin. Its waxy surface and abstract shape make it feel both whimsical and futuristic.

The mature Mermaid Tail Cacti typically reach 14 inches tall and wide, depending on the vigor of the rootstock and environmental conditions. Their compact size and upright form make them ideal for containers, windowsills, or decorative pots where they can be admired as a living sculpture. They grow slowly and retain their form well, requiring very little maintenance to stay attractive.

The blooms of Mermaid tail cactus are usually short-lived and yellow-green in color, but are rare in cultivation, especially for young or newly grafted plants. Most growers value the plant more for its shape and color than for its flowering potential.

The regular has a crested growth form naturally; the grafted version is created through the process of grafting, where the crest is grafted onto the stem of the Euphorbia lactea. This grafting process results in a more pronounced and defined crested growth pattern.   

When and How to Water Your Mermaid Tail Cactus

Mermaid Tail Cactus is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. It's best to water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue with succulents, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering. Your Mermaid tail cactus should be watered every 10–14 days during the growing season, and every 4–5 weeks during dormancy.

From March to September, during the growing season, water your Mermaid Tail Cactus once every 10 to 14 days, depending on temperature and light exposure. The grafted crest benefits from deep, infrequent watering, just enough to soak the soil, then allow it to dry completely. Consistent overwatering can lead to root or graft rot, so err on the side of underwatering.

From October to February, during the dormant season, reduce watering to once every 4 to 5 weeks. Since growth slows in cooler months, the plant uses minimal moisture. Only water when the soil is completely dry and the stem begins to show slight wrinkling.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Mermaid Tail Cactus

When grown indoors, place your Mermaid Tail Cactus near a south- or west-facing window where it can get 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. If light is too low,

 it may become pale or leggy. Supplemental grow lights can be used in low-light homes.

When grown outdoors, it can tolerate partial to full sun but should be gradually acclimated to avoid sun scorch, especially in very hot climates.

Place it where it receives at least 6 hours of light per day for best shape and color. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in regions with harsh sunlight.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The mermaid cactus prefers sandy, well-drained soil and should be fertilized once a year in spring. Planet Desert's specialized cactus potting soil: Soil cactus mix blend 1 gal 4 qt cacti succulent dirt compost growing media includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your succulents thrive.

When it comes to fertilizing your Euphorbia lactea grafted, use a minimal amount of NPK fertilizer for about (5-10-5) once a year in spring to support healthy crest development. In the dormant season, avoid fertilizing altogether as the plant is not actively using nutrients.

Hardiness Zones & More

In the United States, your Mermaid tail cactus is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 10-11.

In terms of humidity, the Euphorbia lactea grafted plant is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels.

 However, it generally prefers a drier environment with lower humidity. It's important to provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent any issues with excess moisture or humidity-related diseases.

How to Grow Your Mermaid Cactus Best Indoors 

Mermaid cacti thrive best indoors in a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 70-80°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. They also prefer high humidity levels, so consider placing a humidifier near the plant or misting it regularly to create a more tropical atmosphere. Additionally, ensure the cactus receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to promote healthy growth.

Wildlife - Mermaid Tail Cactus Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The Mermaid Tail Cactus attracts a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its vibrant blooms. These friendly visitors help to ensure the continued health and reproduction of the cactus through pollination.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Mermaid Tail Cactus is mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The plant's sap, which is milky and white, can cause skin and eye irritation in humans and is mildly toxic to pets, potentially leading to mouth and stomach irritation and vomiting.

How to Propagate Your Mermaid Tail Cactus

The propagation of your Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted is done by cutting from the crest and grafting it onto a compatible rootstock such as Euphorbia neriifolia or Euphorbia canariensis. Use a sterilized knife to remove a healthy portion of the crest, let it callous over for several days, and then graft it onto the new rootstock using strong ties or grafting wax to secure it until fusion occurs. This method requires precision and care, making it best for experienced growers.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Mermaid Tail Cactus gets its name from its sculpted, crested form that resembles the flowing tail of a mermaid or ocean coral.
  2. It is not a true cactus but a grafted succulent, combining the fan-shaped crest of Euphorbia lactea with the rootstock of another Euphorbia species for support and longevity.
  3. Its unusual, wavy texture and colorful margins—often tinged with pink or lavender—make it look like a living piece of art.
  4. This Mermaid cactus plant is drought-tolerant and thrives on neglect, needing very little water and doing well in bright indoor spots.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Mermaid Tail Cactus (Euphorbia lactea Cristata Grafted) is a fascinating, wave-like succulent that brings structure, uniqueness, and minimal maintenance to any indoor or outdoor space. Its crested form is sculptural and artistic, making it a favorite among collectors and modern gardeners. With proper light, sparse watering, and protection from cold and excess moisture, this plant thrives with very little effort and adds a surreal, underwater-like element to succulent displays.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 39542207490

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell mermaid plant succulent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 12 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
Mountain Rose
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 3
Not a bad first-person account
Format: Paperback
I had mixed thoughts about this book. It's the author's personal experiences and thoughts about the Camino, but aren't most books about the Camino? I tend to think it's a little too much interior maundering, how every part of the experience affected the writer. Still, what would you expect? I have to call this just an ok read. Most of the reason I liked it at all is because I am intrigued by the Camino and enjoy reading about it. The writer is a dedicated sister and her companion was a retired priest. I enjoyed the places where she touched on Catholicism, but there wasn't much of that. But there was the part of the book that I found a jarring note, and that was about her take on some fellow Catholics. She and her companion meet a group of three helpful, warm, caring priests and take them to be Jesuits. The priests inform them that that are Opus Dei. As the sister and priest continue walking, they find they are both astounded at the goodness of these men, since Opus Dei is considered to be extremely wealthy, conservative, and have strong ties to traditional Rome. (I thought all Catholics felt they have ties to Rome. I myself talk about the year I "crossed the Tiber.") It is just amazing to this twosome that such nice men could be from wealthy, conservative Opus Dei. I thought this antipathy toward a Catholic group known to do good works told a lot more about the writer than about the well-met priests--maybe more than she intended to let slide about herself. It was the one part of the book that struck a negative note for me. Other than that, I also wished for more at the end. They finished the Camino and went on to Finisterre. (Huh? What happened to the time spent at the Cathedral at the end? The beauty of the place and the experience of Mass there, and that wonderful incense burner. That whole part was left out.) I finished the book and consider it just "ok".
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021
E
Verified Purchase
E. Lingle
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Been on the Camino and love this book
Format: Paperback
I am a Joyce Rupp fan. I'd always dreamt of doing the Camino some day, and when I saw that Joyce had done it, and written a book about it, I quickly bought it and read it. Her book gave me the courage to buy a plane ticket and go. I'm a hiker and camper. I could tell from reading her book that some of the facets of the hike- some of the albergues, some of the pilgrims, some of the food-- etc etc-- were perhaps harder for her to accept than they would be for me. I thought she gave a really honest appraisal of how things were for her, and was touched by how she eventually resolved some of those contretemps. I recently was looking at reviews of the book and was surprised to see some of the negative reviews. What I got from reading Joyce's book was an honest look at the Camino from the eyes of a middle-aged woman used to her own personal space, solitude, food, level of cleanliness, etc. One does necessarily give a lot of that up when on the Camino, if you stay in the albergues! They are fabulous places for meeting people from all over the world- but they can make you cringe if you are not used to hearing snoring at night. What I love about this book is the life lessons, her thoughts on what she found there, and what she got out of it in spite of -- and maybe even because of her discomfort. I recommend this book for mature people thinking of hiking the Camino. In 2011 I accompanied a women's group from my church from Samos to Santiago, and I asked them all to read the book-- they liked it, too.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2013
E
Verified Purchase
Erik Olson
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
A Pilgrimage Of Body and Spirit
Format: Paperback
Back in the summer of 2003, I visited a former seminary roommate in Leon, Spain. I showed up a couple of days before his wedding after backpacking through Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Madrid. While strolling together through Leon, my Spanish friend remarked that people thought I was a "Pilgrim" because of my clothing and backpack. I asked him to clarify, and he replied that Leon was on the path of the Camino Pilgrimage. Thus began my interest in the topic. "Walk in a Relaxed Manner" was the first book I read about the Camino. It's newly published, written by a 60-year-old nun who walked the Pilgrimage around the time I was in Leon. She hit the trail with a retired priest, and this book was born from that experience. The subtitle and theme is "Life Lessons From the Camino," and each chapter is based on a way she grew due to the Pilgrimage. For example, the book's title is shared with a chapter where Sr. Rupp describes how she learned to walk slowly and thoughtfully instead of quickly and competitively. Other chapter titles include "Savor Solitude," "Deal with Disappointments," and "Live in the Now." Such topics may strike some as trite. But I found it impressive that more often than not, it was the walk's difficulties that enabled her to internalize these truths. The author writes in a clear and readable manner. She rejoices in the high points of the Pilgrimage, and is honest about the lows as well. Each lesson is presented in a thoughtful manner, and all are applicable to everyday life. However, like many spiritual insights perhaps some sort of defining experience is required to truly own them. But reading about these truths may be a way to prepare the heart for their eventual actualization. Although a Catholic nun in the Servite Community, Sr. Rupp keeps things fairly ecumenical throughout her tale. In addition, practical advice about the Pilgrimage is sprinkled throughout the book, and a list of helpful Camino resources is included at the end. There's even an authorized website based on Joyce Rupp's name if you want more info about her. Someday I'd like to do the El Camino Pilgrimage. I hope I don't have to wait until my sixties, but sometimes you have to let things happen in their time. If I do walk it, I'll be glad if I learn and grow half as much as Sr. Rupp did. Recommended for all travelers and pilgrims. UPDATE 9/7/07: Well, I only had to wait until I was forty to do the Camino. On 7/14/07 I stepped off in St. Jean Pied-de-Port (France), and on 8/24/07 I walked into Santiago, Spain. After returning home to the US, I went through this book again. It was nice reading about familiar places on the Way, and also to identify with the lessons Ms. Rupp writes about. Recommended even more now that I've actually done the trek.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2005
O
Verified Purchase
Optymizer
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
This book is the real deal
Format: Paperback
This book is the real deal. I found it to be eye-opening, because, despite sounding very advanced and almost next-level, the attacks accompanied by source code show how simple and effective they are in reality. This book seemed light at first (200 pages), so I was skeptical at it's ability to really tackle advanced topics, but I will say I was very pleasantly surprised. Those two hundred pages are action packed and filled with jaw-dropping 'this is cool' moments. My only gripe with it is that it's a little formulaic, with the social engineering being shoehorned into every attack, and maybe pushing the whole APT thing too much, like when you really want something to become 'a thing'. Do we really need to socially engineer payloads using the same formula for all of the attacks? Not even one 'ha Ked the router with boring Cisco exploits' example? I guess it wouldn't make for an entertaining book.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2018
B
Verified Purchase
Brandon Lee
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Best pentest book read to date
Format: Paperback
This is the best penetration testing book that I have ever read to date. There is such a depth of understanding of penetration testing that is conveyed in this book in the way that the author is able to portray highly advanced topics in a conceptually understandable way. A novice might not be able to follow the text, as it is advanced, but for anyone looking to open their mindset up to becoming a more effective penetration tester, I HIGHLY advise this book.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2022

recommand products