We have stocked both of these stunning succulent plants and always get tonnes of questions on them: What’s the difference between them? Are they cacti? Will they like my home? Well, look no further - here is everything you need to know about
Both plants are striking members of the Euphorbia genus, celebrated for their cactus-like appearance and resilience in arid conditions. Euphorbias are not cactuses, but they have developed a similar look to traditional cacti to cope with similar dry, sunny environments. Their thick stems store water through desert drought, and their spines minimise water loss and deter hungry herbivores. Neither are true cacti, but both of these Euphorbias bring stunning sculptural silhouettes and unusual colouring as houseplants - and are often referred to as cacti. They both produce the same milky sap, grow branches like arms off their main stems, and grow wicked-sharp spikes. Both will grow in a nice sunny window in your home, too. It is difficult to tell them apart…
There are differences to look out for though; they are slightly different in size, in growth speed and in form. E. ingens grows taller, and grows much faster, while E. erythraeae grows more slowly in a compact, bushier shape.
E. ingens grows taller, and grows much faster, while E. erythraeae grows more slowly in a compact, bushier shape.
Names can be complicated...
Euphorbia ingens ‘Marmorata’ is a variegated cultivar of E. ingens, the species name of which means ‘huge’, and it is reliably found under this name, which has not officially changed since 1862. Euphorbia erythraeae is actually a synonym - the correct classification for this plant is Euphorbia abyssinica 'Variegata'. Both of these names refer to where the plant is from - Eritrea and Ethiopia, which used to be known as Abyssinia. This plant has been known under various names in cultivation, which can make it hard to find information about it - especially as there are lots of similar names floating about. Euphorbia erythraea, just one letter different, is a synonym for an entirely different plant and Euphorbia erytrea is a common misspelling. I will continue to use Euphorbia erythraeae in this blog as it’s the name it’s usually sold under.
The cultivars we usually sell are both highly variegated forms of these plants, and also result in similar colouring. The value of the variegation itself is mainly aesthetic in houseplants, but it does mean that these plants need a lot of light when grown indoors - so keep that in mind too!
Euphorbia ingens ‘Marmorata’
- Native Range: Eastern and Central Africa, ranging from Ethiopia and Somalia down to Zimbabwe and Northern South Africa, and across through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Angola.
Growth Habit: Grows up to 10 metres tall, with a columnar, cactus-like form and multiple branches emerging from a thick central trunk.
Growth Speed: Fast-growing, especially when young.
Appearance: Green branches with prominent ridges that produce milky sap when cut.
As a House / Conservatory Plant: Thrives in bright, indirect light and tolerates some direct sunlight. Needs well-draining soil and minimal watering, especially in winter. It should be protected from temperatures below 5°C, making it best suited for bright rooms or conservatories.
Euphorbia erythraeae (Euphorbia abyssinica) ‘Variegata’
Native Range: A smaller range in East Africa, limited to Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea..
Growth Habit: Reaches 1-2 metres in height, with a more shrub-like, bushier form.
Growth Speed: Moderate; slower to reach full size than E. ingens.
Appearance: Green stems, sometimes tinged with red, and less prominent ridges, with a sprawling habit.
As a House / Conservatory Plant: Prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Requires careful watering, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Should be kept above 5°C to avoid damage, making it ideal for bright indoor areas or conservatories in the UK.
Rhianna Bangham
Rhianna works in the shop and contributes to Sprouts of Bristol’s content, including plant care notes, product descriptions, and blog posts. With a degree in Classics, Rhianna’s love for languages – including Latin – is perfect for decoding plant names and adding extra detail to our plant care guides. Outside of work, she enjoys rowing, cycling, and learning the violin. Her favourite plant? The ever-popular Spider Plant, of course!
