SKU: 96008838202
african succulent

african succulent Shop 'Euphorbia horrida – African Milk Barrel' Care and Growing Guide

Sale price$23.65 Regular price$26.28
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.57 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 19 - Jul 24

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

african succulent Shop 'Euphorbia horrida – African Milk Barrel' Care and Growing GuideIntroducing the African milk barrel, known as the Euphorbia horrida, which is a striking succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly referred to by various names, including the African milk plant, the African milk cactus, the African milk tree cactus, and the toothpick cactus. These names reflect its unique appearance and the milky sap it produces. Native to South Africa, this columnar plant, Euphorbia horrida, offsets the

Introducing the African milk barrel, known as the Euphorbia horrida, which is a striking succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly referred to by various names, including the African milk plant, the African milk cactus, the African milk tree cactus, and the toothpick cactus. These names reflect its unique appearance and the milky sap it produces. 

Native to South Africa, this columnar plant, Euphorbia horrida, offsets the base to form clumps. The plant has cylindrical stems with gray-green to blue-gray hues, flattened ribs, and spine-like features.


The Euphorbia horrida can grow up to 5 feet tall and 6 inches wide. The structures that resemble spines are the dried remains of the stalks of cyathia (inflorescence of the plant).

Its stem may be striped with white and green markings. This species is similar to the unrelated barrel cacti in its growth habits.

Over time, the ribs frequently grow wavy. This Euphorbia succulent has sharp ridges lined with thorns.

The Euphorbia horrida flowers bloom during the spring and summer months. They are typically greenish-yellow in color and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.

While the flowers themselves may not be the main attraction, they add a touch of beauty to the overall appearance of the plant. You can propagate the African milk barrel by taking stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem from the plant and allow it to dry for a few days.

After that, plant the cutting in soil that drains properly and keep it damp but not soggy until roots form. Another method is by collecting and planting the seeds produced by mature plants. However, keep in mind that germination can be slow and may require patience. 

When and How to Water Your African Milk Barrel 

When it comes to watering, the African milk barrels have low water needs, so it's best to water them sparingly. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water deeply every 2–3 weeks; in fall and winter dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or less. The top inch of the soil should be completely dry before you water again. 

In the spring and summer, water deeply every two to three weeks during the growing season. In the fall and winter, during the dormant season, reduce watering to once a month or even less, as the plant goes into a rest period. 

Grow your succulents in containers with great drainage holes and suitable soil, and water them deeply between periods of drying out. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Euphorbia horrida 

When growing indoors, the African milk barrel needs bright, direct sunlight to thrive for at least 6-8 hours per day.

Place them near a south-facing window or any spot that receives ample bright sunlight throughout the day. You can use artificial grow lights as a supplement if you don't have access to enough natural light. 

If you're growing African milk barrels outdoors, they need full sun exposure to flourish for at least 6-8 hours a day. Find a spot in your garden or patio that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.

These Euphorbia plants love the intense sunlight and warmth, which helps them maintain their unique shape and color. Just be cautious of extreme heat, especially in hotter climates. If the temperature rises too high, provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from scorching. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Euphorbia horrida favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix, opens in a new tab that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

The African milk barrels are not heavy feeders, but they can benefit from a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer once a year in the spring. It's important to note that during the dormant season (fall and winter), African milk barrels do not require fertilizer.

Remember to always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant. 

Indoor Growing African Milk Barrel Requirements

When growing indoors, your African milk barrels prefer warm temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F during the day. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, but it's best to avoid temperatures below 50°F, as it can cause damage to the plant. As for humidity, these plants are accustomed to low humidity levels, so typical indoor humidity is usually sufficient. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

For outdoor cultivation, the African milk barrels are most commonly grown in USDA zones 9 to 11.

These zones generally have mild winters and warm to hot summers, which closely resemble the plant's natural habitat. 

However, if you live in a cooler climate, you can still enjoy growing African milk barrels outdoors during the summer months and bring them indoors during winter to protect them from frost. 

Wildlife  Euphorbia horrida Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators

Euphorbia horrida flowers are known to attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These friendly pollinators help to ensure the continued growth and reproduction of the plant species in their natural habitat.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia horrida has a milky latex sap that is mildly toxic to humans and pets. If consumed in large amounts, the milky sap can irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause extreme irritation.

How to Propagate Your Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida can be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, cut a healthy stem from the plant and allow it to callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and water sparingly until roots develop.

Key Takeaways

  1. The African Milk Barrel boasts a striking, cactus-like appearance with deep ribs and bold spines, making it a standout choice for collectors seeking sculptural and dramatic form in drought-tolerant gardens or containers.
  2. Euphorbia horrida naturally produces clusters of offsets (pups) around its base, allowing it to grow into an impressive colony over time and making propagation simple and rewarding.
  3. This succulent stores water efficiently within its thick, ridged stems, giving it excellent drought tolerance and minimal watering needs—ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
  4. The spines on the African Milk Barrel not only enhance its armored look but also serve a practical purpose, protecting it from herbivores and shading the plant’s surface to reduce moisture loss.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the African milk barrel (Euphorbia horrida) is a fascinating succulent that boasts thick, cylindrical stems covered in sharp thorns. It's a low-maintenance plant that thrives in arid conditions, making it perfect for those who may forget to water their plants regularly.

Just ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, and you'll have a unique and eye-catching addition to your succulent collection. Be sure to add Euphorbia horrida to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care, while admiring its impressive display year after year. 

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: 96008838202

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell african succulent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 21 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
C
Verified Purchase
Chelsea A.
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Eradicated Decade Long battle with KP on INNER KNEES in less than 1 week. NEW KP HOLY GRAIL CREAM!!
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
About my skin- 43 year old fair, normal to dry, very sensitive, prone to KP bumps on back of arms, inner knees and if aggravated - all over thighs. I am pretty careful with what I use and I even have to be careful within the same brand if something DOES work. I have spent a long time being snobby about “drugstore” brands because over the years they have all aggravated my now mostly under control KP. I recently was convinced to try the Olay SUper Serum body wash because a friend with similar issues said she was really impressed. I have been also! In fact, the body wash for “Rough and Bumpy” skin has been my go-to wash for the past few months and has visibly improved my overall skin texture and has not aggravated any KP flare ups. I was very excited to try this body cream, since the current one I use is over 50 dollars for a similar size jar. I like to use A LOT of moisturizer and the cost is really annoying and close to being prohibitive when you use a jar a week. I purchased this cream (packaged well, no leaked, fresh product, overnight delivery). I am in LOVE! It smells great, very high end. The fragrance is real so if you hate fragrance, bot for you. I wear Baccarat Rouge and this lotion does not interfere with that, and it does dissipate after a while (I asked others to be sure). The crazy thing is this… most of the time my KP bumps on my inner knees are there, but when I have them under control they just lack color and are a lot smoother. THEY ARE GONE AFTER 1 WEEK.. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN THE DECADE OR SO I HAVE HAD KP BUMPS ON MY INNER KNEEES THAT THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY GONE. I do not feel it is the combo of the wash and this cream, as I have been using a different wash while out of town. The only new item I used was THIS CREAM, alone, without my other more expensive product. I am kind of blown away and delighted. Also, I was able to use less of this to feel moisturized than I have been using with the “fancy” brand. The scent is warm, slightly vanilla, expensive and not too floral. Cream absorbs quickly and well, leaves skin feeling plumped, soft, no greasy residue and MAJOR BONUS… NO PILLING. That is a nightmare when a product does that. It absorbs quickly, leaves no marks on clothes when squeezing into a pair of black legggings…. All the good stuff you may forget to look for but notice when they happen. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING, if a light, high end fragrance is good with you. To reiterate- the fragrance is not crazy strong but it also calms WAY down about 30 mins after applying and melts into just a nice feminine clean but warm (not body spray type of vibe) scent that is not very noticeable to me or others. No where near as strong as like a Bum Bum cream (which I LOVE IN SUMMER) and smells high end, not like cheap shampoo or air freshener. Get this!!!!!!! It also did not irritate my chest area which for me is always a little prone to red spots when I use fragranced products. No irritation and dude… NO BUMPS FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE OR MORE. WOW!!!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025
K
Verified Purchase
Karen Froschauer
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
THE BEST LOTION I HAVE EVER USED
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 18.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
THIS WINTER AND HAVING THE HEAT ON HIGHER THEN I NORMALLY DO HAS DONE A NUMBER ON MY SKIN. IT IS SO DRY AND I HAVE TRIED SO MANY THINGS AND NOTHING HAS REALLY WORKED. SO I GAVE IN AND SPENT THE MONEY AND TRIED THIS. I AM SO GLAD I DID. THIS WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT ANOTHER BOTTLE JUST TO HAVE SO I WOULDN'T RUN OUT. I START OUT WITH THE BODY WASH WITH THE OLAY SUPER SERUM BODY WASH AND JUST AFTER ONE WASH MY SKIN WAS MUCH SOFTER AND SMOOTHER. YOU DO NOT NEED A LOT AS IT LATHERS UP NICELY IT SMELLS GREAT AND IT RINSES OFF GREAT LEAVING YOUR SKIN FEELING CLEAN AND SOFT. IT DOESN'T HAVE A STRONG SCENT TO IT WHICH IS FINE . I FOLLOW IT WITH IT WITH THIS SUPER SERUM LOTION JUST TO MAKE SURE THE SKIN STAYS SOFT. THIS LOTION IS SO SOFT AND SILKY. IT ABSORBS QUICKLY INTO YOUR SKIN WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SKIN FEELING GREASY. IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT AND LEAVES YOU FEELING SOFT WITHOUT THAT DRY CRACKED APPEARANCE. THE SCENT ISN'T VERY STRONG TO ME WHICH IS FINE BECAUSE I WEAR PERFUME SO I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE SCENTS MIXING. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS REGIMEN TO ANYONE SUFFERING FROM DRY SKIN.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
pogo
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
4.5/5; Great product, but smells strong
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Context: To start off, I should say that I have dry skin. Like, VERY dry skin. In purchasing this item, I wanted a product that I could consistently apply every single day to hydrate my skin. Product: The application of this stuff was like a dream. If you’ve ever tried using ANY sort of lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, etc.) you’d know that usually it leaves that greasy texture on your hands that you have to wash off. This one doesn’t do ANY of that. The cream melts into your skin and absorbs very easily, unlike other lotions. I didn’t need that much to apply to my entire body. The results were great—my skin looked better and felt softer. If there was to be a con, it would be how strong the fragrance of the lotion is. This stuff smells STRONG. It’s not an unpleasant scent, but if you wanted to wear a perfume or body spray along with it, good luck because I can’t see a world where the cream won’t overpower or at least show through your preferred scent. TLDR Overall, good product with dreamlike application, but strength of scent could be dealbreaker for some.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tonya Bana
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
This everyday body lotion is the bomb!
Scent: Collagen, Size: 17 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
This body lotion is absolutely fabulous! It really does make the skin on my thighs and abdomen look and feel firmer and the skin on my arms, legs, hands, and feet is noticeably softer and more hydrated without looking greasy or feeling sticky. I even use it on my neck and my face, which has tended to be more dry than oily as I've aged. I also really appreciate that the scent is pleasant enough to stand on its own but subtle enough to work well with other fragrances. I don't think that I have ever been this satisfied with a health/beauty product at such an affordable price point. I even purchased a few extra bottles to gift to friends and family.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Wow - my new favorites 💜👍😀
Scent: Retinol, Size: 17 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I just purchased this and tried it last night for the first time along with the firming version. I didn't take photos because I was skeptical as a product I had purchased from a different line for more money didn't work. This morning I notice that not only does my skin feel more hydrated but the texture appears more smooth. I recently turned 75 & lost my husband a few months ago and having been a care giver for awhile and put taking care of me aside. These products and body wash are great and I like the fragrance. Please give them a try. To have something show this much difference over night is incredible. They are also affordable which is a plus for me. Thank you Olay.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026

recommand products