Euphorbia lactea -v- 'White Ghost'


Description: 

**PLANT CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE - PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER**

The Euphorbia lactea -v- 'White Ghost' makes a fantastic centerpiece specimen. Nearly all of this cactus-like succulent's flesh is devoid of chlorophyll. Some of its tissue has a slight, sporadic green-greyish pattern. Honestly, at first glance and without further inspection, this Euphorbia does not even appear to be a real plant! The plant's silhouette is both formidable and distinct.

The Euphorbia lactea -v- 'White Ghost' grows in a columnar, candelabra form with dense triangular stems. At full maturity, this succulent can reach an approximate height of 20'+ with an approximate width of 8'. Stems are erect, constricted into oblong segments and have a width of 2". This plant has 3 - 4 slightly winged, sinuate (having a wavy or sinuous margin; with alternate rounded notches and lobes), ribs. Minuscule, but noticeable leaves grow during the summer months. Leaves are rudimentary, circular, reddish, up to 1/10 of an inch in diameter, sessile (a characteristic of plant parts that have no stalk. Flowers or leaves that grow directly from the stem or peduncle, and thus lack a petiole or pedicel), and deciduous. Stipular spines (spines that are modified, sharp-pointed stipules at the base of a leaf), are very small, but not sharp. Spines are paired, widely divergent along the margins and are approximately 1/5 of an inch long.

The Euphorbia lactea -v- 'White Ghost' is an ideal candidate for a houseplant. Dry conditions, however, must be provided. For outdoor cultivation, a warmer climate is required where the plant is receiving full sun to partial shade. Due to the lack of chlorophyll, it thrives best when protected from strong sunshine during the hottest hours of the day. Morning sunlight likely provides the most ideal situation for this succulent. This Euphorbia is only hardy down to approximately 41° F. As such, many cultivate the species in a pot (excellent potted plant candidate), or it is planted in a very protected location.
As this Euphorbia is indigenous to a tropical climate, it is one of the only columnar Euphorbias that thrives in wetter regions with higher relative humidities. Its active growing season is between late spring and through the summer months.

Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch during its active growing season. If temperatures are high, it is likely that the plant will require 2+ waterings weekly. During the winter months, suspend watering completely (or restrict watering to once over the entire winter). Over watering, especially during the winter months, is the number one reason that people kill this plant. Porous soil with adequate drainage is required. Euphorbias in greenhouses are infrequently infected by fungus born diseases.

Attributes:

Great candidate for an indoor plant (as long as kept dry).

Great candidate for a potted plant.

Gorgeous species that makes a stunning landscape plant.

Warning:

When damaged, this plant exudes a thick, white and milky latex sap. This latex sap is poisonous and there have been documented cases of death when consumed. Moreover, contact with the eyes, skin and mucous membranes should be avoided. Painful burning, excessive salivation and temporary blindness are all possibilities of mishandling this Euphorbia. Cultivated plants must be handled carefully and with respect.

Synonyms:

Euphorbia lactea f. cristata variegata (colored clones)
Euphorbia lactea cv. Gigante

Plant Details
USDA Zone Information: 
10-11
Family: 
Euphorbiaceae
Ideal Light Conditions: 
Full sun to partial shade (thrives when protected from strong sunshine during the hottest hours of the day).
Ideal Water Conditions: 
Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch (active growing season). During wintertime, suspend completely or water 1 time.
Speed of Growth: 
Slow
Mature Height: 
20 ft
Mature Width: 
8 ft
Latin Name: 
Euphorbia lactea -v- 'White Ghost'

Corporate Clients (The King hangs hard)

Movies:

RoboCop (1987)
RoboCop 2 (1990)
Hot Pursuit (2015)

Television:

USA Network's Queen of the South (2019)

Botanical Gardens:

New York Botanical Gardens
Oklahoma City Zoo/Botanical Gardens
Mercer Arboretum in Houston, Texas
Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Zoos:

Houston, TX Zoo
San Antonio, TX Zoo

Other Clientele:

Houston, TX Rodeo

The Cactus King's cacti and succulents have gone international! If you ever find yourself in China with a little spare time, head to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. It is the largest Aquarium in the world (no big deal, pun definitely intended).

The Cactus King's plants are also featured in the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom's partner parks. These include their water park, amusement park, crocodile park and botanical gardens.

Wholesale/Retail Hours

Monday through Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm

Sunday: Closed

Interested in becoming The King of wholesalers? Click the "Wholesale" tab above for more information.

Find your dream plant!

Addresses & Contact Information

Physical Address (IN-PERSON VISITS):
7900 I-45N
Houston TX, 77037

We're located directly next to the Tajj Inn.
----------------------------------
Mailing Address (WEB ORDER PAYMENTS):

Lyn Rathburn
PO Box 16099
Houston, TX 77222

Please make checks/money orders out to "Lyn Rathburn."
----------------------------------
Questions? Concerns? The CK team is here to help!

For assistance, please: Call
(281) 591-8833 or
email admin@thecactusking.com