Stapelia Gigantea -Zulu Cactus 8” basket

The Zulu cactus (Euphorbia ferox) is a striking, spiny succulent native to South Africa’s semi-arid regions. Despite its cactus-like appearance, it belongs to the Euphorbia family and stores water in its thick, columnar stems. The plant’s dense rows of spines help protect it from herbivores and reduce moisture loss, making it highly drought tolerant. When grown indoors, it appreciates conditions that mimic its native habitat—dry air, bright light, and infrequent watering. Overwatering is the most common issue, as Euphorbias are sensitive to root rot, so always allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.

Light is one of the most important factors for this plant’s health. The Zulu cactus thrives in full sun to bright indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window. It can handle some direct sunlight throughout the day, which helps maintain its compact shape and vivid coloration. If light is too low, the plant may grow thin, stretched stems and lose its vibrant tone. Outdoors, it prefers a sunny, well-draining spot—gravelly or sandy soil works best. In extremely hot regions, a bit of afternoon shade can protect it from sun scorch, especially during the peak of summer.

In terms of blooming, the Zulu cactus typically produces small, yellow-green flowers in late winter to early spring. These blooms appear at the tips of the stems and add subtle beauty to the plant’s rugged form. To encourage flowering, allow the plant a cool, dry rest period through winter with reduced watering and slightly lower nighttime temperatures around 50–55°F. Once warmer weather returns and watering resumes, new growth follows. With patience, proper light, and seasonal care, this spiny beauty rewards growers with a healthy flush of new stems and occasional bright blooms each year.