Dragon Bones

Dragon Bones Care

Euphorbia lactea

Other names: Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan, Candelabra Spurge, Candelabra Cactus, Candlestick Tree, False Cactus

What is the plant

Dragon Bones are a beautiful and relatively unusual-looking plant that can grow tall, impressing your friends! Moreover, they are relatively easy to care for, requiring little maintenance besides some pruning.

Dragon Bones also called the dragon bones plant or the dragon bones cactus, are a succulent originating from south Asia. The plant is from the Euphorbia family and has become a popular house plant throughout the world.

The plant grows long triangular stocks with sharp spikes on the edges. The plant tends to be light green, while its spikes are usually reddish. These guys can get pretty tall, too, with some plants reaching as high as 15 feet(4.5 m) tall.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

12°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Watering around once a week works great with these guys. Water until the soil is all moist.
Pruning
Use a sharp shear to remove errant stems. Make sure pruning a stem will not throw the plant's balance off, as this may cause it to fall or uproot.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is needed. You just need to make sure the soil is fresh and nutritious!

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Euphorbia lactea plants enjoy a lot of light. They can endure direct light, but not when the sun is most intense. So if you place your green pet in the sun, make sure to watch the time, or it might get damaged if you forget it there.
Soil
Soil mixes created specifically for cacti are perfect; ensure the soil drains well and does not retain too much water. The soil is best when it runs from mildly alkaline to mildly acidic.
Propagation
Remove a cutting from your dragon bones and allow it to dry out; this usually takes a few days. Once it is dry, place it in some moist soil or, even better, another rooting medium. They tend to root quickly if the host is healthy.

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Temperature
Euphorbia lactea can survive temperatures as low as 54°F(12°C). However, a relative room temperature of about 68-84°F (20-29°C) is perfect for them in most seasons.
Container
Larger containers will be needed for larger plants, and we recommend ones made from clay or another heavy material, as this will help the plants remain anchored to the ground as they grow taller. Also, it is vital to have pots that drain well, so make sure there are several holes in the bottom of the container you choose.
Fun fact
Watch out; Dragon Bones have a white milky-like sap that can be toxic, so be sure to wear gloves to avoid injuries!