Plant DetailShow Menu

Plants that fill a similar niche:
Euphorbia polygona 'Nova' Form
Euphorbia tirucalli Euphorbia tirucalli
Lantana camara 'Miss Huff' Background plant with Monarda didyma, summer, Moore County
Euphorbia mammillaris has some common insect problems:
Mealybugs

Indian Corn Cob Euphorbia mammillaris

Previously known as:

  • Euphorbia fimbriata
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh mam-mil-LAIR-iss
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Indian Corn Cob is a succulent columnar, cactus-like plant in the euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) family native to South Africa. It is studded with occasional spikes that resemble toothpicks. 

They are drought-tolerant and need great drainage. Water once a week in the summer and up to once a month in the winter, allowing the soil to fully dry out between waterings. With plenty of space and sunlight, Indian Corn Cob can reach 1 foot or more tall and sprout new branches from its base. Propagation can be done with stem cutting in spring or summer.

Plant in containers with good drainage holes in potting soil appropriate for succulents and cacti. Provide plenty of sun outside and bright light inside. A diluted fertilizer can be applied in late spring to summer. The plant contains a white sap and can irritate the skin and eyes so wear gloves.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs and spider mites are potential insect pests. Powdery mildew and root rot are potential diseases. Root rot occurs with overly moist and poorly drained soils.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#spines#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#spines#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    mammillaris
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    Obtusely lobed, up to 0.25 inch in diameter, subsessile.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    It produces a cup-shaped involucre of fused bracts enclosing several greatly reduced male flowers and a single female flower at the tip of each stem in late winter to early summer.
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    the leaves are small, green and ephemeral.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Corky Ridges
    Stem Description:
    Thick succulent gray-green ribbed stems with scattered spikes and club-like lateral branches.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters in milky latex
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No