Candelabra tree (Euphorbia ingens)
Care, watering, light and tips for Candelabra tree on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 21 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Candelabra tree
Euphorbia ingens, commonly known as the naboom, is a majestic, cactus-like succulent tree native to Southern Africa. It features multiple green, angular, and segmented branches emerging from a short, stout trunk, creating an impressive architectural silhouette. It is ideal as a focal point in arid gardens or as a large container plant in temperate climates, adding an exotic and sculptural touch.
Native range
Southern Africa (primarily South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini).
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and healthy flowering. Watering should be sporadic and deep, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, more frequent in summer and almost none in winter. Use a very well-draining substrate, ideally a cactus and succulent mix with plenty of coarse sand or perlite. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this drought-tolerant species.
How to save a dying Candelabra tree
- Warning signs
- Soft or shriveled stems, progressive yellowing, darkened base.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot, inspect roots. Cut off rotten roots and soft stems with clean, disinfected tool. Let air dry for several days before repotting in dry, well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter. A substrate that retains too much moisture is its death sentence.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly at the first signs of rot. Recovery is slow, but possible.