The Jade Cactus, scientifically known as Euphorbia Ingens and also commonly referred to as the Candelabra Cactus or Candelabra Tree, is a stunning and low-maintenance succulent that adds a touch of desert elegance to any indoor space. With its robust columnar structure and deep green coloring, the Jade Cactus is a popular choice amongst interior designers and design enthusiasts alike. Read up on the basics of how to care for the Euphorbia Ingens, from water and light requirements to propagation and everything in between.

• Light requirements

• Choosing the best soil

• Watering - less is more

• Temperature and humidity 

• The perfect fertilizing routine

• Propagating

• Potting and repotting

• Common problems

Light requirements

The Euphorbia Ingens has flexible light preferences, making it a versatile choice for various lighting conditions. While bright indirect light and even some direct sunlight is ideal, they can also adapt to medium levels of light, though less light will significantly slow their growth rate. Place your Euphorbia Ingens near a south-facing or west-facing window for optimal light conditions, or even outdoors in a semi-shaded area (too much direct sunlight may scorch your cactus!).

Choosing the best soil

Choose a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix for your Euphorbia. This blend typically consists of sand, potting soil, and perlite or pumice. The mix allows for plenty of drainage and prevents moisture-related issues such as root rot. 

Watering - less is more

Euphorbias are drought-resistant and the Euphorbia Ingens is no exception: it is essential to allow it to dry out between waterings. Water the plant infrequently and sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to become dry before the next watering. Depending on placement and time of year, your plant may only need watering once per month! Overwatering can lead to root rot, so exercise caution and prioritize a well-draining pot and soil mix.

Temperature and humidity 

Euphorbia Ingens thrive in average household temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain consistent temperatures to prevent stress and maintain your Euphorbia’s health for years to come!

The perfect fertilizing routine

Feed your Euphorbia during its growing season (spring and summer) with a controlled-release succulent fertilizer or a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer for mature plants and a low-nitrogen fertilizer for young ones. Avoid overfeeding, as succulents prefer light feeding.

Propagating

Propagating the Euphorbia Ingens is an exciting project and a great way to grow your collection! You can propagate by taking a cutting from your plant–the easiest way to do this is to remove one of the “arms” from the cactus. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before placing in well-draining succulent or cactus mix, and lightly wet the soil with water. Place in a warm, dry area–you have a new plant that should begin to start growing within just a few weeks!

Potting and repotting

Select a pot that accommodates your Euphorbia Ingens’ root system. While they have small roots, avoid oversized pots that may retain excess moisture. Repot every 2-3 years for smaller plants and 4-5 years for larger ones.

Common problems

Monitor your Euphorbia for potential issues such as wrinkled leaves (sign of underwatering), all-over yellowing (indicates overwatering), and leaf loss (oftentimes not enough light). If your Euphorbia faces decline, diagnose the problem first and adjust your care routine accordingly. Combat pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale using gentle methods like wiping with rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton balls and neem oil.

The Jade Cactus is a captivating and easy-to-care-for succulent that adds a touch of desert charm to indoor spaces. With its striking appearance and low-maintenance requirements, it's a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. By providing the right light, well-draining soil, and careful watering, you can ensure the Euphorbia Ingens thrives and remains a stunning addition to your home.

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The Desert Cactus

AKA euphorbia ammak

The Desert Cactus (or in scientific terms, the Euphorbia Ammak) is a tree-like succulent that thrives with just a bit of water and lots of sunlight. Sometimes referred to as the African Candelabra, the Desert Cactus hails from Saudi Arabia and Yemen and is known for its structural beauty and its ribbed arms edged with spines. Though this plant prefers full sun, it may also flourish in bright indoor conditions, and will undoubtedly elevate any space with its eye-capturing beauty. Read on for simple tips on how to care for the Desert Cactus.

1. Light, water, and growth

2. Common problems

3. Maintenance

4. Propagating

Light REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DESERT CACTUS

• Prefers full or direct sun

• Can adjust to bright indirect light

Watering your desert cactus

• Water sparingly once every two weeks in the summer, and once a month for the rest of the year. Avoid overwatering

cactus growth rate

• In prime conditions, the Desert Cactus is a fast grower and can grow to over 8 feet tall indoors

• Fertilize lightly (half a dose) once a month in the summer

Now Shipping Nationwide

Our popular Desert Cactus, aka Euphorbia Ammak, is as low maintenance as they come and now ships nationwide.

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Common problems with the Desert Cactus

Brown patches or scars - sunburn

• Symptom - rough, localized “scabs” or brown patches

• Cause - too much sun (yes, this plant can burn!) due to harsh climatic changes (i.e. the plant was grown in a greenhouse with indirect light, then placed in full sun).

• Remedy - This is simply a scar and though it is not contagious or will spread, there is nothing you can do about its appearance. By the time your plant is burned, it will already have acclimated to its new environment.

Soft brown areas - overwatering

• Symptom - Mushy or soft brown areas

• Cause - Too much water or root root

• Remedy - Check the roots. If the roots are damaged (wet, slimy, etc), you will need to repot your plant (see below for instructions). If they are not damaged, simply hold off on watering until the bottom of the soil completely dries out.

Powdery mildew disease

• Symptom - Coat of white power on and around ribs

• Cause - caused by a fungus

• Remedy - Test out a commercial fungal control on a small area of the plant before treating the entire plant.

Shop the Desert Cactus at leonandgeorge.com

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Desert Cactus

Take care of your Desert Cactus and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Desert Cactus over time.

New growth on a euphorbia ammak.

• Pruning - The Desert Cactus can often grow very tall with many arms, resulting in a “top-heavy” plant that could potentially topple over. If this is the case, time to prune! Follow the first step in propagation (listed below) to safely prune your cactus.

• Cleaning - With a damp cloth, gently clean between the ribs once a month to remove any collected dust. Alternatively, you may use a small hand broom to brush off dust.

• Repotting - Depending on the size of your Desert Cactus, you may need to repot it to ensure it has a big enough base to support the weight of the plant.

  • When to repot - When the cactus has grown substantially and no longer stands straight in its pot. You may also consider pruning instead of attempting to repot.

  • Pot sizing - Find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot.

  • Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil (be sure to use cactus and succulent potting mix!) and pat down firmly. You may need to use a stake to support the weight of your cactus until it fully roots. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

Shop the Desert Cactus at leonandgeorge.com

How to propagate the Desert Cactus

Whether your Desert Cactus needs a trim, or you’d like to create new plants, propagating the Desert Cactus is relatively simple (though should be approached with care!). The best way to propagate the Desert Cactus is by using cuttings.

• Prepare for cutting - The safest way to cut your cactus is to lay it down horizontally if possible, and use a sharp, clean, serrated knife. This plant can have a sticky sap that can irritate skin and eyes when cut open so make sure to also wear gloves, protect your arms with long sleeves, and also wear protective eyewear. If you are unable to lay the cactus down, you can also achieve the same results with a few extra hands: one person holds while the other cuts.

• Determine where you will make the cut - If you’re going to cut your cactus, you should generally cut where the “arm” or branch begins.

• Rinse and allow to dry - rinse the cutting with cool water and allow to dry.

• Transfer to soil - Once your cactus cutting(s) are dry, place it in fresh soil and put in a warm, dry place. Do not move the plant for at least six weeks -- it will take some time to root and until then, it is very fragile.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

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Desert Cactus

With thorns as sharp and tough as its personality, the Desert Cactus is a low maintenance and attractive indoor plant that will draw the attention of anyone.

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Who doesn’t like to travel now and then? But it can be hard to enjoy yourself if you’re worrying over your houseplants. Whether you are jetting off on a summer vacation or going home for the holidays, leave your plants with peace of mind knowing that they will be well while you’re away. Before you head out the door complete this simple checklist to ensure your plants will be alive and thriving when you get home!

What to do before you leave

When it comes to hectic holiday travel, your plants are probably low on the list of priorities. It's a busy time of year-- we get it! But whether you'll be gone for a few days or a few weeks, here are some tips to act on (or bookmark for later) for happier plants upon your return:

• Water before leaving - The day before you leave, give your plants a good watering. If you'll be gone for a long time (over two weeks), you may even consider bottom watering, or letting them soak in a few inches of water before returning to their decorative pot.

• Climate control - Most indoor plants prefer to live in temperatures somewhere between 65-75 degrees, so do what's necessary to make sure the temperatures don't go too far above or below that window while you're gone.

• Maintain humidity - To avoid those crispy edges and keep humidity levels up, try grouping your plants together so they can create a mini-biome and help each other out in your absence.

• Self-watering adapter - If you're going to be gone longer than two weeks, we recommend getting a self-watering adapter. Depending on the size of your plant, these can keep it quenched for up to two weeks.

• For travel longer than three weeks - Ask a friend to stop by. Plants are living beings and need love and attention just like us and our pets!

What to do when you return

• Soak - check the moisture of the soil at the top and bottom of the nursery pot (you have to remove it from its decorative pot). If still slightly moist, return to your regular watering schedule. If completely dry, bring your plant to the shower and give the soil a nice soak through. Let the water drain completely before returning to its home. 

• Prune - after the shower and when your plant has dried a bit, you should see the leaves perk back up. (occasionally after long droughts, your plants may need a second shower before this happens.) Sift through all the green and thoroughly remove any brown or yellowing leaves.

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DROUGHT-RESISTANT PLANTS

Whether you travel a lot or are just plain busy, plants that resist drought for several weeks are the way to go!

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Photo by Léon & George

If you haven't already noticed, we've added a NEW product to our selection of all things living and lovely! We're excited to announce that the Desert Cactus is here and it's looking sharp. Whether you're aware of the existing cacti-craze or you're completely in the dark, let us shed some light on why prickly plants are starting to populate style-guides, Instagram feeds and store fronts as of late. 

What makes it cool?

Its been obvious for some time that succulents are sweeping the nation. Their easy-care qualities and unique variations contribute to their popularity, and they're sprouting up in coffee shops, window-sills, and home interiors everywhere. The Desert Cactus however, a distant cousin to many succulents, is the not-so-typical plant in town.

More formally referred to as the Euphorbia Ammak, this California-native desert cactus is quite a rare find. It's strikingly grand in stature and has a bohemian aesthetic that makes it extremely photogenic. This Euphorbia can reach a height of 10m and its whimsical, branching arms make it seem almost human-like! Its most common coloring is a pale yellow, but the natural coloration is a deep, saturated shade of green. Add one of these plants to your home or office and it's bound to be an eye-catching conversation starter. Benefit from the Euphorbia's unique, impressive presence with the easy-care nature of any simple succulent. 

Left photo by @david.david.studio right photo by Justina Blakeney

Care & Design

With spines as sharp and tough as its personality, this low maintenance cactus is distinctive and unusual. Like its name, these cacti like desert conditions with a lot of light and not a lot of water, especially in the winter months. You can put in minimal effort and this plant will thrive. To quote an article from The Guardian, " [these] cacti are easy-care, striking to look at, and 'green' because they require little water: sustainable interior decoration in a pot".

The Euphorbia Ammak is known for having unpredictable branch-like arms that often grow in clusters. Although aesthetically it seems very unique and unconventional, getting the most out of this cactus is actually quite effortless. For best results, provide this Euphorbia with full sun and sharply-drained, lean soil. If you need additional care tips, look no further.

Photo by @thenowmassage

Bring the desert to you

Adding a Desert Cactus to your life is a sure way to accomplish that modern and trendy boho-style that everyone craves! Grown with the utmost care in California, this plant will add warmth to any interior space. If you're looking for an avant-garde Euphorbia of your own, we can help!

And don't worry about the stress of getting this plant to and fro, like usual, we will take care of all those prickly details! 

Left photo by Léon & George right photo by @heartshakestudios