Euphorbia horrida var. striata is a spiny, columnar succulent notable for its distinctively ridged stems marked with fine, linear striping. The species is native to the arid regions of South Africa, particularly the Karoo, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils under full sun. This naturally occurring variety is distinguished by its more pronounced striping along the stem ribs, which may range in colour from grey-green to bluish tones depending on light exposure. The spines, arranged in pairs along each rib margin, are reddish when young and harden to grey with age. Small yellow-green cyathia may appear during the warmer months near the apex of mature stems.

Care Tips:

• Light Requires full sun or bright filtered light; encourages defined striping and compact growth
• Water Water sparingly; allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings
• Humidity Prefers dry conditions; avoid excessive moisture and condensation
• Media Use a sharply draining cactus mix with coarse sand or pumice
• Temperature Maintain above 10C; protect from frost and damp cold
• Fertiliser Apply diluted cactus fertiliser during the active growing season
• Repotting Repot only when rootbound or to refresh ageing soil

Additional Notes:

• Known to be toxic