*The last photos are for reference only of full size plant.
Euphorbia hamata, also commonly known as ‘Elephant's milk bush’, is a spineless succulent shrub with branches at the base that can reach a height of 18-36 inches. On the branches, there are numerous recurved tubercules. This winter-dormant plant has its origin in Namibia and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
Growth Rate
Euphorbia hamata has a fast growth rate.
Flowering
Elephant’s milk bush plant blooms in the winter season and produces Chartreuse (yellow-green) flowers.
Watering and Feeding
The native area of this plant receives rain in both winter and summer. So, you can water these succulents moderately all year. Use a well-balanced fertilizer. During the growing season, continue to apply fertilizer once or twice a week.
Soil
Euphorbia hamata needs well-draining soil. Sandy soil with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral is ideal, but it will thrive in slightly alkaline soil as well.
Hardiness
This variety of Euphorbia is frost-hardy. It has a frost tolerance of 4°C (39.2°F) and belongs to the hardiness zone of 9b to 11.
Light
These plants can tolerate conditions ranging from Full sun to partial shade sun exposure.
Propagation
Elephant’s milk bush is propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Euphorbia hamata is a simple succulent plant for pot culture that forms a small stem and makes an interesting specimen. Give it a try and expand your succulent collection.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Blooming Season | Winter |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Elephants milk bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Flower | Chartreuse (yellow-green) |
| Frost Tolerance | 4°c |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 9b to 11 |
| Height | 18-36 in. |
| Origin | Namibia |
| Pot Size | 3.5" |
| Scientific Name | Euphorbia hamata |
| Shape | - |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |