Crested Elkhorn

Crested Elkhorn Care

Euphorbia lactea Cristata

What is the plant

Euphorbia lactea Cristata is a slow-growing ornamental succulent whose branches are arranged in a wavy pattern. The plant is primarily dark green in color with silvery gray patterns on top, although white, yellow, purple, and pink colors are also found.

Elkhorn is a leafless succulent shrub that grows vertically up to 90 cm (3 ft). Despite the similarity, the plant is not a cactus but two succulents joined together to form an unexpected symbiosis. The plant gets its appearance from the combination of looks of Euphorbia neriifolia and Euphorbia lactea.

If you’ve recognized any mistakes feel free to notify us about it. This would help us to provide only the best-quality information.

Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 12

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is worth watering when the top layer of the soil becomes dry. Use a hygrometer to check.
Pruning
Euphorbia does not need pruning or additional care.
Fertilizer
A slow-release fertilizer should be applied once a season. This is enough for the succulent to receive nutrients.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

Ease your plant care routine with PlantIn's personalized system.

Sunlight
The plant prefers full light and partial shade, but it is important to reduce sun exposure on hot days to prevent burns.
Soil
The soil should be well-drained and contain gravel, sand, and perlite. You can use the mixture for succulents and cacti after reading the instructions on the package.
Propagation
Propagation involves cutting the V-shaped form in Euphorbia lactea and Euphorbia neriifolia, then joining the two pieces together with grafting wax. The plants would be grafted within a few weeks if everything went well.

Ease your plant care routine with PlantIn's personalized system.

Temperature
Euphorbia lacteal Cristata can grow outdoors at temperatures of 60-85˚F (15-29°C) and should be moved indoors as cold weather sets in.
Container
The pot must have drainage holes and be of the appropriate size. Once every 2 years, the plant should be transplanted into a larger pot 3-5 cm (1-2 inches).
Fun fact
Gardeners love this plant, so they mass produce them for sale.