The Candelabra Cactus is a common name for species within the Euphorbia genus, such as Euphorbia ingens or Euphorbia trigona. These succulents have a columnar, ribbed, and spiny appearance, often leading them to be mistaken for true cacti (Cactaceae family). The Candelabra Cactus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family (spurges). Propagating these plants through stem cuttings is the most straightforward and reliable method for home growers.
Essential Safety Measures
Propagating the Candelabra Cactus involves a significant safety consideration: the plant’s milky white sap, known as latex. This latex is secreted immediately upon injury and can cause severe skin irritation, rashes, and blistering upon contact.
Contact with the eyes is particularly dangerous, potentially leading to intense pain and temporary vision impairment. Always wear thick, impermeable gloves and protective eyewear before making any cut. If the sap touches your skin, wash the affected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated tools and work surfaces should also be cleaned immediately to prevent accidental contact.
Removing the Propagation Material
Select a healthy piece of stem, ideally a side branch or segment that is at least six inches long. The best time to take a cutting is during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring or summer. Use a sharp, sterile tool, such as a clean knife or pruning shears, to make a clean cut.
Sterilizing the tool with alcohol helps prevent the introduction of pathogens to both the parent plant and the cutting. Make the cut in a single, smooth motion at a narrow point or joint where the stem naturally constricts. Once the cutting is removed, allow the parent plant’s wound to dry naturally. You can also gently rinse away the excess sap and dust the area with sulfur powder or powdered charcoal to discourage fungal infection.
Curing the Cutting
The most important step for successful propagation is the curing process, which allows the cut end to form a protective layer called a callus. This callusing seals the open wound, preventing the entry of fungal spores and bacteria that cause rot once the cutting is planted. Without a properly formed callus, the cutting will absorb too much moisture from the soil and inevitably rot before roots can form.
To cure the cutting, place it upright in a dry, warm location that receives stable temperatures and bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause scorching, while cool or humid environments increase the risk of rot. The time required for a callus to form is variable, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the cutting’s size and the environmental conditions. The cutting is ready to plant when the entire cut surface feels completely dry and looks tough, similar to dried cork.
Rooting and Establishing New Growth
When the cutting is fully cured, it is ready for the rooting phase, which requires a highly porous and well-draining soil medium. A specialized mix for cacti and succulents ensures that excess water drains quickly, preventing the cutting from sitting in moisture. Plant the cured end only about an inch deep into the soil, just enough to provide stability.
If the cutting is tall or top-heavy, use small stakes or chopsticks to provide mechanical support until a root system develops. After planting, withhold water for a week to allow the cutting to adjust and encourage root formation. Begin watering lightly only once the plant shows resistance when gently tugged or displays new growth, indicating successful rooting. New plants should be placed in a warm area with bright, indirect sunlight.