Please note: You will receive a similar plant in size and shape, but it may not be as white as shown in the photos as the colors range from a grey-blue to white. This plant gets more white with direct sun and the ones in our nursery do not get direct sun. They will get more white if you put them in mostly sun.

Euphorbia polygona, also commonly known as the 'African Milk Barrel,' is a spiny succulent shrub with spine waviness. This winter-dormant plant is cylindrical in shape and has sharp ridges lined with thorns. It originates from Mexico and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Euphorbia polygona ‘Snowflake’ grows up to 1 to 2 feet in height.

Growth Rate

The Euphorbia polygona plant has a slow growth rate.

Flowering

This plant produces purple-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring-summer season. The attractive flowers are produced individually.

Watering and Feeding

Allow the soil to dry between watering. Check underneath the pot through the drainage holes to see if the roots are dry before watering the plant. If this is the case, then add some water. Water infrequently to avoid overwatering, which can kill the plant. During the spring and summer growing seasons, fertilize Euphorbia polygona every two weeks with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.

Soil

African milk barrel plants thrive in well-draining, sandy soil or a cactus potting mix. They are not picky about soil pH, but they do not like wet soil.

Hardiness

This succulent is cold-hardy and has a frost tolerance of -4° C (24.8° F). It belongs to the hardiness zone of 9 – 11.

Light

This Euphorbia species prefers full to partial shade sun exposure. Allow at least 3-5 hours of direct sunlight per day, and turn it on a regular basis to prevent your plant from growing disproportionately.

Propagation

The African milk barrel plant is propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring and let them dry out in the shade for a couple of weeks before potting.