{"product_id":"euphorbia-horrida-alba-african-milk-barrel","title":"Euphorbia horrida 'Alba' – African Milk Barrel","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSpiky, sculptural, and strikingly similar to a cactus, \u003ci\u003eEuphorbia horrida\u003c\/i\u003e is a fascinating succulent with blue-green ridged stems and sharp spines along each edge. Native to South Africa, this plant is perfectly adapted to hot, dry conditions – and makes a bold, low-maintenance addition to any sunny windowsill. It’s sometimes called the “cactus euphorbia” due to its resemblance to cacti, though it’s actually a member of the Euphorbia family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEuphorbia horrida\u003c\/i\u003e (bristly or rough Euphorbia)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSometimes listed as \u003ci\u003eEuphorbia horrida\u003c\/i\u003e var. \u003ci\u003enana\u003c\/i\u003e or var. \u003ci\u003estriata\u003c\/i\u003e to refer to natural compact or striped forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAfrican Milk Barrel, Cactus Euphorbia, Horse Tooth Euphorbia (rare)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to arid regions of South Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLoves bright light – a full sun spot is ideal. Place it on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill, or under a grow light during darker months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings – in winter, you may only need to water once a month. Avoid getting water on the stem to prevent rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in dry air. Do not mist or keep in high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNeeds very free-draining soil. Use a cactus and succulent mix with added sand or grit. Terracotta pots are ideal for airflow and evaporation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed once every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer using a diluted cactus fertiliser. No feeding needed in autumn or winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold – do not expose to temperatures below 10°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e❌ Toxic if ingested. The sap can also irritate skin or eyes – handle with care and keep away from pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIf the plant starts to lean or stretch, it’s likely not getting enough light. Move it to a sunnier position or supplement with a grow light to keep it compact and symmetrical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe spines are modified leaf structures, and the plant exudes a milky latex sap if damaged – a classic trait of Euphorbias, not cacti.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eDespite its cactus-like appearance, \u003ci\u003eEuphorbia horrida\u003c\/i\u003e is more closely related to poinsettias than to true desert cacti. This is a prime example of convergent evolution in action!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"13cm","offer_id":58449455448445,"sku":"1210317135871","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/de\/products\/euphorbia-horrida-alba-african-milk-barrel","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}