Euphorbia Enopla

Introducing the captivating and architectural Euphorbia enopla, also known as the Pincushion Euphorbia or Devil's Backbone! This striking succulent features slender, cylindrical, green stems adorned with prominent ribs and short, reddish-brown spines, creating a unique and visually appealing texture. Its relatively compact growth makes it a fantastic addition to any Australian succulent collection, both indoors and out.

Characteristics:

• Slender, Ribbed Stems: Its defining feature is its upright, cylindrical, green stems that typically have 5-8 prominent ribs. These ribs are lined with closely spaced pairs of short, reddish-brown to dark brown spines.
• Small, Fleeting Leaves: Like many euphorbias, Euphorbia enopla produces small, insignificant leaves that are often short-lived and quickly drop off, especially during drier periods or dormancy. The spines take over the primary role of protection and visual interest.
• Compact Growth Habit: In cultivation, it generally maintains a relatively compact size, typically reaching heights of 30-60 cm and clumping over time with new stems emerging from the base. This makes it ideal for smaller pots and spaces.
• Drought Tolerance: As a succulent native to arid regions, Euphorbia enopla is highly drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering, aligning well with water-wise gardening practices in Australia.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal attention, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts in Australia.
• Architectural Appeal: Its upright, multi-stemmed form and contrasting green stems with reddish spines provide a strong architectural element to any plant display.

Care Tips:

• Bright Light: Provide plenty of bright, indirect to direct sunlight. In Australia, it generally handles full sun well, but some protection from intense afternoon sun during scorching summer days can be beneficial, especially for younger plants or those in very hot regions. Indoor plants need a sunny windowsill.
• Well-Draining Soil: Use a cactus or succulent potting mix to ensure excellent drainage, which is crucial for preventing root rot in Australia's diverse climates.
• Water Sparingly: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water less frequently during the cooler winter months when the plant is semi-dormant. Overwatering is a primary concern.
• Warm Temperatures: It thrives in warm Australian temperatures but needs protection from frost (below -4°C). Move potted plants indoors or provide cover in frost-prone areas.
• Minimal Humidity: Adapts well to typical Australian humidity levels. Ensure good air circulation, especially indoors.
• Infrequent Feeding: Fertilize lightly once or twice during the spring and summer growing season with a diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer. Avoid winter feeding.

The first two photo serves a display purpose only. The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. Plants are shipped as bare rooted.

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

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Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options