Euphorbia ingens

RHS Plant Profile

candelabra tree

RHS

Houseplants Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

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A fast-growing, succulent tree capable of reaching 15m, but usually grown as a pot plant. The branching, leafless stems have four or five vertical ridges bearing small spines. Mature plants can produce greenish-yellow flowers at the branch tips, followed by dark red to purple fruit

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eyeharmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S & E Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in equal quantities of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit in full light. Water moderately when in growth and keep dry in winter. In the growing season feed a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in early spring or stem cuttings in spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required but can be cut back to restrict size

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and root rots