How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia ‘Briar Patch’
Cultivate the thorny Euphorbia 'Briar Patch' with a guide to its specific environmental needs and the essential precautions required for safe handling.
Euphorbia ‘Briar Patch’ is a hybrid succulent created from two other Euphorbia species native to Africa, Euphorbia tirucalli and Euphorbia stenoclada. This plant presents a shrub-like structure with thick, thorny stems that branch out in a geometric pattern. Small leaves may appear at the tips of new growth. As a member of the Euphorbia genus, it can grow into a small tree, sometimes reaching up to 10 feet tall.
Essential Care Guide
Light
This succulent thrives in very bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct morning sun. An ideal placement is near a window that receives ample sunlight for most of the day. Too much intense, direct afternoon sun can cause sunburn on the plant’s stems. If you notice yellowing stems, the plant may be receiving too much direct light and should be moved to a spot with more filtered sun.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is necessary to prevent moisture from accumulating around the roots. Use a commercially available cactus or succulent potting mix, as these provide the required aeration and drainage. Using a terracotta pot is also beneficial, as the porous material helps to wick excess moisture away from the soil, further protecting against root decay.
Watering
This plant is drought-tolerant and highly susceptible to overwatering. Employ the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the spring and summer growing season, let the top 50% of the soil dry before giving it a thorough watering. In the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to about once a month, as an overabundance of water can cause root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Euphorbia ‘Briar Patch’ prefers warm conditions, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C). The plant does not have special humidity requirements and will do well in average household humidity levels. High humidity can be detrimental, as it interferes with the plant’s water management.
Fertilizing
Feeding should be done sparingly and only during the active growing season. In the spring and summer, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half-strength about once a month. Avoid feeding the plant during the fall and winter, as it is not actively growing and does not require the additional nutrients.
Propagating Euphorbia ‘Briar Patch’
This plant is propagated through stem cuttings. Using a clean, sharp knife, select a healthy stem for the cutting. A milky white sap will emerge, which should be rinsed under cold water to stop the flow.
Set the cutting aside in a dry area for several days to a week, allowing the cut end to form a callus. This dry seal prevents rot when planted. Once the callus has formed, plant the cutting in a well-draining succulent mix.
Toxicity and Safe Handling
A primary safety concern with this plant is its toxic sap. The milky white latex produced by Euphorbia ‘Briar Patch’ is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic if ingested by humans or pets. It is important to handle the plant with care to avoid contact with this substance.
Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when pruning or taking cuttings. After handling the plant, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Due to its toxicity, place the plant in a location out of reach of children and pets.