Euphorbia neorubella

🌿 Euphorbia neorubella, commonly known as the Red Euphorbia or Coral Cactus Euphorbia, is a striking succulent from the Euphorbiaceae family. Native to the rocky slopes of South Africa, this plant thrives in arid conditions with minimal water and intense sunlight. It's perfect for intermediate-level plant owners who want something visually interesting without the fuss of high-maintenance care. Fun fact: despite its cactus-like appearance, Euphorbia neorubella isn't a true cactus at all—it's a succulent that produces a milky latex sap when cut or damaged.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This euphorbia grows in an upright, shrubby form with multiple branching stems that can reach up to 30 centimetres tall indoors. The stems are thick, angular, and ridged, displaying a beautiful deep green colour that contrasts sharply with the bright red margins along each ridge. The texture is smooth and waxy, and the plant develops a geometric, almost architectural look as it matures. New growth emerges with particularly vibrant red edges that fade slightly as the stems age.
FLOWER DETAILS
While Euphorbia neorubella can produce small, inconspicuous flowers, they're not the main attraction. The flowers are tiny, yellow-green in colour, and appear in clusters called cyathia. They lack petals and fragrance, so they don't offer much aesthetic appeal compared to the stunning foliage. Flowering occurs sporadically, usually in late spring or early summer when the plant receives adequate light and warmth. To encourage blooming, ensure your euphorbia gets plenty of bright light and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings during the growing season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours daily. Thrives in full sun near south or west-facing windows.
💧 Water: Water sparingly. During spring and summer, water when soil is completely dry, roughly every 2-3 weeks. In fall and winter, reduce to once a month or less. Use the soak-and-dry method.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers low humidity, around 20-40%. Typical indoor air is perfect.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand for extra drainage.
🏺 Potting: Use terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes, 10-15 cm wide. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots fill the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Grows 5-10 cm in 6 months, 10-15 cm per year, reaching maximum height of 30-40 cm indoors.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed once a month during spring and summer with diluted cactus fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap can cause skin irritation in humans and gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets.

WHERE TO PUT IT
Place your Euphorbia neorubella in bright, sunny spots like a south-facing windowsill, sunroom, or covered patio during warmer months. It looks fantastic in minimalist or modern spaces, on desks, shelves, or as part of a succulent collection. Avoid low-light rooms like bathrooms or hallways, and keep it away from high-traffic areas where pets or children might accidentally brush against it and contact the irritating sap. It doesn't tolerate shade well and will become leggy and lose its vibrant colouring without adequate light.
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