Photo of Euphorbia bracteata flower, form by Forest & Kim Starr

Photo by Forest & Kim Starr

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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Euphorbia bracteata

Also Known As

  • Pedilanthus bracteata
  • Pedilanthus pavonis
  • Candelilla
  • Jacob's Ladder
  • Little Bird Plant
  • Tall Lady Slipper

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 4'-8'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 9b-12

More Options

Euphorbia bracteata plant details

Euphorbia bracteata is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In fall and summer pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia bracteata

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia bracteata

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Arching spikes of large showy pink to red bracts enclose small green bird shaped flowers and are produced throughout the warmer months. The Tall Slipper Plant or Little Bird Plant produces rounded, deep green foliage along its dark green, thick and smooth stems. This easy to grow Mexican succulent naturally develops into a many-stemmed vase shaped form once mature. The Tall Slipper Plant is a close cousin of the Redbird Cactus and makes an easy container plant where not hardy. For best results provide the Candelilla with a fast draining cactus-like soil and full to partial sun out of doors. It is considered tolerant of mild frosts and hardened off plants are known to take temperatures as low as 25 °F for short periods. Well-established plants may return from the base if frozen to the ground where winters are mild.
Full Sun to Partial Shade. Indoor/Outdoor (Patio). Red Flowers, & has Leaves.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Euphorbia bracteata plant

How to Grow Euphorbia bracteata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Euphorbia for your garden

aka Caribbean Copper Plant, Tropical Smoke Bush, Tropical Spurge

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 10'-15'

  • sun
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia cotinifolia foliage by Forest & Kim Starr
View Plant

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aka Euphorbia cylindrifolia v. tuberifera

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 6"-18"

Width: 18"-36"

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia cylindrifolia ssp. tuberifera flower, foliage, form by Frank Vincentz
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Shrub, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 2'-8'

Width: 2'-6'

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia hedyotoides foliage, form by Frank Vincentz
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aka Euphorbia platyclada v. platyclada, Tirucallia platyclada

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 20"-30"

Width: 20"-30"

  • bright shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Euphorbia platyclada foliage by Joe Mabel
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aka Pencil Milkbush

Plant Type

Shrub, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Euphorbia mauritanica flower by Far Out Flora
View Plant

More Options

+306 more Euphorbia
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