10 Beautiful Euphorbias to Add to Your Houseplant Collection

Introduction

Euphorbias are fascinating and diverse plants, offering an array of shapes, sizes, and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your indoor garden, euphorbias make an excellent addition to your houseplant collection. These striking plants come in many varieties, from the iconic Crown of Thorns to the unique Pencil Cactus. Not only do euphorbias bring beauty to your space, but they’re also hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for indoor gardening. In this post, we’ll explore 10 beautiful euphorbias that will elevate your plant collection.

1. Euphorbia milii – Crown of Thorns

The Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is one of the most beloved euphorbias among houseplant enthusiasts. Native to Madagascar, this plant has bright green leaves and stunning, vibrant flowers that bloom year-round. The flowers range in color from red and pink to yellow and white, creating a cheerful display in your home.

What makes this plant even more special is its spiky stems, which add texture and contrast to its soft, colorful blooms. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Be careful, though—the spines can be sharp! Despite this, the Crown of Thorns is an incredibly resilient plant. It can withstand some neglect, making it perfect for beginners. Photo by: _createyourtaste

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and humans

2. Euphorbia tirucalli – Pencil Cactus or Firestick Plant

The Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), also known as the Firestick Plant, is a visually striking succulent with thin, pencil-like stems. These stems are often a vibrant green, but under the right conditions, they turn a fiery red, orange, or yellow, giving the plant its dramatic appearance.

This euphorbia is drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for those who occasionally forget to water their plants. Just ensure it gets plenty of sunlight to maintain its vibrant color. One word of caution: The sap of the Pencil Cactus is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handle it with care. Photo by: thevictorianatlanta

Care Tips:

Light: Full sun for vibrant colors
Watering: Infrequent; allow soil to dry out completely
Toxicity: Highly toxic; wear gloves when handling

3. Euphorbia obesa – Baseball Plant

If you’re looking for something truly unique, the Baseball Plant (Euphorbia obesa) is sure to catch your eye. This small, round plant resembles a baseball, with its spherical shape and ridged surface. Unlike many euphorbias, the Baseball Plant doesn’t have spines or flowers, but its geometric appearance makes it a stunning statement piece.

Native to South Africa, Euphorbia obesa is a slow grower and thrives in sunny conditions. It requires minimal watering, making it an ideal plant for people with busy schedules. Photo by: floratopia

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
Watering: Infrequent; allow soil to dry completely
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

4. Euphorbia lactea – Mottled Spurge

The Mottled Spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is known for its striking, marbled stems, which display a mix of green and white patterns. It has an architectural beauty that can add a sculptural element to your plant collection. This plant sometimes forms a fan shape, making it even more visually interesting.

thrives in well-draining soil and bright light. It can grow quite large, so give it plenty of space to spread out. Like other euphorbias, it contains a toxic sap, so handle it with caution. Photo by: _green.life__

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

5. Euphorbia horrida – African Milk Barrel

The African Milk Barrel (Euphorbia horrida) is a robust and spiky plant that looks like a cactus but is actually a euphorbia. Its tall, ridged columns are covered in sharp spines, giving it a dramatic, desert-like appearance. Despite its prickly exterior, this plant is easy to care for and thrives in indoor environments.

Euphorbia horrida prefers bright light and well-draining soil. It doesn’t require much water, making it a low-maintenance option for plant lovers who appreciate striking, no-fuss plants. Photo by: fannyssuccs

Care Tips:

Light: Bright light
Watering: Let soil dry completely before watering
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

6. Euphorbia resinifera – Resin Spurge

The Resin Spurge (Euphorbia resinifera) is another cactus-like euphorbia, with a dense, bushy form made up of angular, ridged stems. This plant originates from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought and poor soil.

Its architectural shape makes it a stunning choice for both minimalist and maximalist plant collections. While it doesn’t flower often, its sturdy, sculptural form provides year-round interest. Photo by: caclandantalya

Care Tips:

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Low water needs; drought-tolerant
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

7. Euphorbia ingens – Candelabra Tree

The Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens) is one of the largest euphorbias you can grow indoors. It has tall, tree-like branches that resemble the arms of a candelabra, hence the name. In its native habitat, this plant can grow up to 40 feet tall, but indoors, it usually stays much smaller, making it a striking houseplant.

Euphorbia ingens requires a lot of sunlight and thrives in dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for bright rooms or sunrooms. Its tall stature and unique silhouette make it a fantastic focal point in any indoor garden. Photo by: kaktus_delisi

Care Tips:

Light: Full sun
Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Toxicity: Highly toxic; avoid contact with sap

8. Euphorbia trigona – African Milk Tree

Another popular euphorbia to add to your houseplant collection is the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona). This striking plant has tall, upright stems with small, teardrop-shaped leaves growing along its ridges. Its stems are typically green, but you can also find varieties with deep red or purple hues, adding a splash of color to your space.

The African Milk Tree is loved for its fast growth and easy-care nature. It can grow quite tall in the right conditions, making it an excellent choice for filling vertical space in your home. Like other euphorbias, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in bright light. It’s the perfect option for plant enthusiasts who want a robust, eye-catching plant that doesn’t require much attention. phot by: theplantrescuer

Care Tips:

Light: Full sun
Watering: Minimal; drought-tolerant
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

9. Euphorbia caput-medusae – Medusa’s Head

For a plant that’s sure to spark conversation, look no further than the Medusa’s Head (Euphorbia caput-medusae). This unique plant has long, snake-like stems that radiate from a central point, resembling the mythological creature Medusa. It’s a fascinating, otherworldly plant that’s perfect for adding some eccentric flair to your houseplant collection.

This plant prefers bright light but can tolerate partial shade. Its snake-like arms grow in all directions, creating a wild, organic shape that looks amazing in a hanging basket or as part of a mixed succulent arrangement. Photo by: su.ca_

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade
Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

10. Euphorbia canariensis – Canary Island Spurge

The Canary Island Spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) is a tall, columnar plant native to the Canary Islands. It has multiple upright stems with ridges, giving it a bold, structured look. This euphorbia grows slowly but can eventually become a large, statement-making plant.

It thrives in bright light and is very drought-tolerant, making it ideal for sunny, warm spots in your home. The Canary Island Spurge is a perfect choice for plant enthusiasts who want a low-maintenance, yet strikingly beautiful, plant in their collection. Photo by: alltheplantsilove

Care Tips:

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Minimal; drought-tolerant
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans

Conclusion: Beautify Your Space with These Stunning Euphorbias

Adding euphorbias to your houseplant collection is a fantastic way to introduce unique, sculptural plants to your home. From the spiky grandeur of the Candelabra Tree to the quirky charm of Medusa’s Head, euphorbias offer a diverse range of styles to suit any plant lover. Plus, their low-maintenance nature makes them a great option for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

So, which one will you choose? Whether you want the fiery colors of the Firestick Plant or the soft, cheerful blooms of the Crown of Thorns, there’s a euphorbia out there for everyone.