The Euphorbia cereiformis, known as milk barrel cactus, is a striking succulent known for its barrel-shaped stems and ribbed columnar growth. This plant is popular for its unusual appearance and low-maintenance care needs.
Native to South Africa, this Euphorbia plant typically grows in clumps of upright, ribbed stems that resemble miniature cactus columns.
These stems are a gray-green to bluish-green color with prominent ridges lined with small, brownish spines (technically modified leaves).
Each stem can reach up to 3 feet tall, and as the plant matures, it slowly produces offsets, forming dense clumps that give the appearance of a barrel-like cluster.
The growth habit is symmetrical and highly architectural, making it an excellent accent plant.
Among the Euphorbia varieties, Euphorbia horrida (African Milk Barrel), is one of the more popular choices.
The Euphorbia cereiformis produces small yellow-green cyathia, near the top of its stems. These blooms are modest but still intriguing, especially when viewed up close. Flowering generally occurs in warm months under ideal conditions, including plenty of sunlight and minimal water stress.
When it comes to care, it thrives in well-drained succulent soil and prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently, only when the soil is completely dry.
Indoors, place it near a bright, sunny window where it receives 6–8 hours of indirect to direct light daily.
Outdoors, it does well in USDA zones 10–11, where temperatures rarely dip below 30°F.
Pruning is rarely needed, but you can remove dead stems or pups to maintain shape or propagate.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Euphorbia cereiformis ‘Milk Barrel’ is a sculptural, easy-care plant that thrives with minimal attention and adds visual drama to succulent collections. Its cactus-like appearance, drought tolerance, and slow-clumping growth make it a favorite for collectors seeking architectural interest with little fuss. Whether indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in a dry landscape, this Euphorbia delivers long-lasting appeal with minimal upkeep.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late winter early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia cereiformis |
| Common Name | Milk barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Flower Color | Green |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11 (USDA) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Plant Type | Dwarf perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Densely branched |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late winter early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia cereiformis |
| Common Name | Milk barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Flower Color | Green |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11 (USDA) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Plant Type | Dwarf perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Densely branched |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The Euphorbia cereiformis, known as milk barrel cactus, is a striking succulent known for its barrel-shaped stems and ribbed columnar growth. This plant is popular for its unusual appearance and low-maintenance care needs.
Native to South Africa, this Euphorbia plant typically grows in clumps of upright, ribbed stems that resemble miniature cactus columns.
These stems are a gray-green to bluish-green color with prominent ridges lined with small, brownish spines (technically modified leaves).
Each stem can reach up to 3 feet tall, and as the plant matures, it slowly produces offsets, forming dense clumps that give the appearance of a barrel-like cluster.
The growth habit is symmetrical and highly architectural, making it an excellent accent plant.
Among the Euphorbia varieties, Euphorbia horrida (African Milk Barrel), is one of the more popular choices.
The Euphorbia cereiformis produces small yellow-green cyathia, near the top of its stems. These blooms are modest but still intriguing, especially when viewed up close. Flowering generally occurs in warm months under ideal conditions, including plenty of sunlight and minimal water stress.
When it comes to care, it thrives in well-drained succulent soil and prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently, only when the soil is completely dry.
Indoors, place it near a bright, sunny window where it receives 6–8 hours of indirect to direct light daily.
Outdoors, it does well in USDA zones 10–11, where temperatures rarely dip below 30°F.
Pruning is rarely needed, but you can remove dead stems or pups to maintain shape or propagate.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Euphorbia cereiformis ‘Milk Barrel’ is a sculptural, easy-care plant that thrives with minimal attention and adds visual drama to succulent collections. Its cactus-like appearance, drought tolerance, and slow-clumping growth make it a favorite for collectors seeking architectural interest with little fuss. Whether indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in a dry landscape, this Euphorbia delivers long-lasting appeal with minimal upkeep.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late winter early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia cereiformis |
| Common Name | Milk barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Flower Color | Green |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11 (USDA) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Plant Type | Dwarf perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Densely branched |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late winter early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia cereiformis |
| Common Name | Milk barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Flower Color | Green |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11 (USDA) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Plant Type | Dwarf perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Densely branched |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
