Plate No. 48

Coral Cactus

Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata'

"A grafted reef of grey-green fans"

Native to

A crested mutation of an Indian species

Botanical illustration of Coral Cactus — Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' — drawn from life

Identification

Is this your plant?

Compare these reference photographs to help identify a coral cactus in your own collection.

Whole plant
A Coral Cactus shown in full — overall shape and habit.
Leaf detail
Close-up of Coral Cactus leaves — texture, color, and edges.
Flowers
Coral Cactus in bloom — flower form and color.
Growth form
Coral Cactus growing habit — stems, base, and offsets.

History

A brief account

Coral Cactus is not a true cactus but a crested euphorbia, admired for its undulating fan-shaped ridges that resemble brain coral or a small reef. It is almost always sold grafted onto a straight Euphorbia neriifolia rootstock, which gives it the vigour and stability it needs to grow into such an unusual form. Its sculptural surface and strange, almost organic geometry make it one of the most eye-catching succulents in cultivation. It brings a dramatic, surreal quality to a bright shelf or collection table.

How to care for

Place Coral Cactus according to its light needs: Bright indirect light with a little direct sun. For watering, sparingly — let dry between drinks. For the potting medium, use fast-draining succulent mix. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer. 10–28°C. Frost-tender. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.

How to propagate

Grafting onto a fresh rootstock when the base tires. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent. Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young Coral Cactus into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.

Cultivation

Quick tips for care & planting

Light: Bright indirect light with a little direct sun.
Water: Sparingly — let dry between drinks.
Soil: Fast-draining succulent mix.
Temperature: 10–28°C. Frost-tender.
Propagation: Grafting onto a fresh rootstock when the base tires.