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Euphorbia caerulescens
Place in a sunny location.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
It can withstand temperatures down to -1.1 °C for short periods. The plant is not frost-resistant.
It thrives in areas with minimal rainfall—it survives thanks to its ability to store water in its columnar stems.
Euphorbia caerulescens is a species of spurge also known as Blue Euphorbia and listed in literature under the name Euphorbia ledienii. The specific epithet “caerulescens” means “dark green to blue” and refers to the characteristic coloration of the stems. In nature, it grows on rocky slopes and plains among dry shrubs and larger bushes.
The stems are predominantly blue-grey but may also appear green or yellow-green. With age, the lower parts of the stems turn light grey and develop a rough surface. The stem edges bear paired, rigid spines and small, short-lived leaves. The plant forms a robust succulent shrub that can reach around 1.5 m in both height and width.
The inflorescences consist of yellow cyathia. They appear at the tips of the stems in spring and summer and contrast strongly with the cool-toned stem color.
Euphorbia caerulescens requires a well-draining substrate and a bright position. Watering should be moderate and only after the substrate has dried, as it must not remain waterlogged for long periods. The plant is poisonous, so contact with the milky sap should be avoided and hands should be washed after handling. Thanks to its striking stem color and strong growth, it is a bold species that stands out well as a solitary plant in a succulent collection.