An upright, architectural plant with thick, fleshy stems and a sparse branching pattern that gives it a small-tree or sculptural look.
Size: Reaches 3 to 9 feet tall (1–3 meters) as a shrub, or up to 12 feet when grown outdoors in ideal conditions; it stays smaller when kept in containers.
Leaves: Oval to oblong, slightly fleshy leaves (3–4 inches long) arranged toward the ends of the branches. They range from gray-green, bluish-green, or dark green, sometimes featuring purplish undersides or reddish-brown hues. The popular red-purple cultivar is known as Rubra.
Flowers: Produces small, discrete, yellowish-green to purple flowers in clusters near the branch tips, mostly blooming in the spring.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light to full sun. Intense midday sun can sometimes scorch or redden leaves.
Water: Highly drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings; overwatering quickly leads to root rot.
Soil & Temperature: Requires sharply draining, gritty soil. Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C) and is sensitive to frost (USDA Hardiness Zones 10+).
Toxicity & Handling Caution
Milky Latex: Like many species in the Euphorbiaceae family, cutting or damaging the plant releases a toxic, milky-white sap.
Safety: Contact with the sap can severely irritate skin and eyes, and ingestion is poisonous. Always wear gloves when pruning, keep the plant away from pets and children, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
