How to care for and propagate Euphorbia cereiformis Milk Barrel CactusEuphorbia cereiformis Milk Barrel Cactus care and propagation informationPin

Euphorbia cereiformis

Milk Barrel Cactus

“Milk Barrel Cactus” is a green columnar succulent with up to 15 ribs. Spiky peduncles (dried flower stalks) cover the edges of the ribs. The top of the plant will form a crown of flowers when in bloom. It grows well indoors, and will clump and produce many offsets.

Quick Look:

  • Full sun to partial shade

  • Typical water needs for a succulent. See below for additional information

  • Plant grows up to 36″ (91 cm) tall
    Plant grows up to 4″ (10 cm) wide

  • Zone 12a (Minimum 50° F | 10° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by offsets

  • Can be toxic to humans and animals

  • Winter Dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Euphorbia cereiformis “Milk Barrel Cactus”

“Milk Barrel Cactus” is a fast-growing succulent that does well indoors or outside. It produces many offsets, clumping and spreading out as it grows. It can grow up to 3 feet tall, although it typically grows only 18″ (46 cm).

Watering

Euphorbia cereiformis “Milk Barrel Cactus” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Do not water in the Winter.

Where to Plant

Euphorbia cereiformis “Milk Barrel Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

How to Propagate Euphorbia cereiformis “Milk Barrel Cactus”

Euphorbia cereiformis “Milk Barrel Cactus” is a quick grower, and will produce offsets that sprout up around the base of the plant. Use care when removing these offsets. Follow the directions in this post to learn how to handle a Euphorbia safely.

To remove a clump for propagation, you will need nitrile dipped gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp knife.

Using the tongs, gently pull one of the cylindrical stems away from the main cluster. If you are not able to break it off without pulling up the rest of the plant, use the knife to cut through the stem.

Allow the end of the stem to callous over for several days before placing in well-draining soil.