SKU: 51991330546
succulent barrel

succulent barrel African Milk Barrel – Euphorbia horrida 6" Pot

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Description

succulent barrel African Milk Barrel – Euphorbia horrida 6" PotIntroducing the African milk barrel, known as the Euphorbia horrida, which is a striking succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly referred to by various names, including the African milk plant, the African milk cactus, the African milk tree cactus, and the toothpick cactus. These names reflect its unique appearance and the milky sap it produces. Native to South Africa, this columnar plant, Euphorbia horrida, offsets the

Introducing the African milk barrel, known as the Euphorbia horrida, which is a striking succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly referred to by various names, including the African milk plant, the African milk cactus, the African milk tree cactus, and the toothpick cactus. These names reflect its unique appearance and the milky sap it produces. 

Native to South Africa, this columnar plant, Euphorbia horrida, offsets the base to form clumps. The plant has cylindrical stems with gray-green to blue-gray hues, flattened ribs, and spine-like features.


The Euphorbia horrida can grow up to 5 feet tall and 6 inches wide. The structures that resemble spines are the dried remains of the stalks of cyathia (inflorescence of the plant).

Its stem may be striped with white and green markings. This species is similar to the unrelated barrel cacti in its growth habits.

Over time, the ribs frequently grow wavy. This Euphorbia succulent has sharp ridges lined with thorns.

The Euphorbia horrida flowers bloom during the spring and summer months. They are typically greenish-yellow in color and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.

While the flowers themselves may not be the main attraction, they add a touch of beauty to the overall appearance of the plant. You can propagate the African milk barrel by taking stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem from the plant and allow it to dry for a few days.

After that, plant the cutting in soil that drains properly and keep it damp but not soggy until roots form. Another method is by collecting and planting the seeds produced by mature plants. However, keep in mind that germination can be slow and may require patience. 

When and How to Water Your African Milk Barrel 

When it comes to watering, the African milk barrels have low water needs, so it's best to water them sparingly. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water deeply every 2–3 weeks; in fall and winter dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or less. The top inch of the soil should be completely dry before you water again. 

In the spring and summer, water deeply every two to three weeks during the growing season. In the fall and winter, during the dormant season, reduce watering to once a month or even less, as the plant goes into a rest period. 

Grow your succulents in containers with great drainage holes and suitable soil, and water them deeply between periods of drying out. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Euphorbia horrida 

When growing indoors, the African milk barrel needs bright, direct sunlight to thrive for at least 6-8 hours per day.

Place them near a south-facing window or any spot that receives ample bright sunlight throughout the day. You can use artificial grow lights as a supplement if you don't have access to enough natural light. 

If you're growing African milk barrels outdoors, they need full sun exposure to flourish for at least 6-8 hours a day. Find a spot in your garden or patio that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.

These Euphorbia plants love the intense sunlight and warmth, which helps them maintain their unique shape and color. Just be cautious of extreme heat, especially in hotter climates. If the temperature rises too high, provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from scorching. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Euphorbia horrida favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix, opens in a new tab that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

The African milk barrels are not heavy feeders, but they can benefit from a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer once a year in the spring. It's important to note that during the dormant season (fall and winter), African milk barrels do not require fertilizer.

Remember to always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant. 

Indoor Growing African Milk Barrel Requirements

When growing indoors, your African milk barrels prefer warm temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F during the day. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, but it's best to avoid temperatures below 50°F, as it can cause damage to the plant. As for humidity, these plants are accustomed to low humidity levels, so typical indoor humidity is usually sufficient. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

For outdoor cultivation, the African milk barrels are most commonly grown in USDA zones 9 to 11.

These zones generally have mild winters and warm to hot summers, which closely resemble the plant's natural habitat. 

However, if you live in a cooler climate, you can still enjoy growing African milk barrels outdoors during the summer months and bring them indoors during winter to protect them from frost. 

Wildlife  Euphorbia horrida Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators

Euphorbia horrida flowers are known to attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These friendly pollinators help to ensure the continued growth and reproduction of the plant species in their natural habitat.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia horrida has a milky latex sap that is mildly toxic to humans and pets. If consumed in large amounts, the milky sap can irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause extreme irritation.

How to Propagate Your Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida can be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, cut a healthy stem from the plant and allow it to callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and water sparingly until roots develop.

Key Takeaways

  1. The African Milk Barrel boasts a striking, cactus-like appearance with deep ribs and bold spines, making it a standout choice for collectors seeking sculptural and dramatic form in drought-tolerant gardens or containers.
  2. Euphorbia horrida naturally produces clusters of offsets (pups) around its base, allowing it to grow into an impressive colony over time and making propagation simple and rewarding.
  3. This succulent stores water efficiently within its thick, ridged stems, giving it excellent drought tolerance and minimal watering needs—ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
  4. The spines on the African Milk Barrel not only enhance its armored look but also serve a practical purpose, protecting it from herbivores and shading the plant’s surface to reduce moisture loss.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the African milk barrel (Euphorbia horrida) is a fascinating succulent that boasts thick, cylindrical stems covered in sharp thorns. It's a low-maintenance plant that thrives in arid conditions, making it perfect for those who may forget to water their plants regularly.

Just ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, and you'll have a unique and eye-catching addition to your succulent collection. Be sure to add Euphorbia horrida to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care, while admiring its impressive display year after year. 

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Laura Healy
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
So comfy
These pillows are great! So comfy, no neck or back pain. I highly recommend them!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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nicole
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent customer service and quality
Size: Super King, Size: Super King
Update: since my original review the company has reached out to me and apologized for the quality of the comforter i received. They replaced the comforter with a brand new one and didn't make me send back the old one either! This new one is great quality so i am very pleased. The comforter is super comfy and not too hot or too cold. It has some weight to it which i love because it makes it so much more cozy without making me too hot. I got the super king size and I love how big it is. My husband and i don't fight over the covers anymore. With this new comforter and the way they handled things i give this company and product 5 stars and would highly recommend this to anyone! Well, I just opened this comforter and already im finding issues. There are strings coming out and at least 2 stains I've found so far. Not sure if I should return this or what as I'm sure it would be really hard to fit this back into the case. Wish this was a better experience. This was very expensive too, so very disappointing.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
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Drew
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this comforter.
Size: Queen
Super comfortable and light and well worth the price. Excellent quality that I didn't think I'd find again. And without the dreaded returns of trying something and it not right. It feels like the same one I bought in 2007 at BB&B on Christmas Day for half off and that was $250. So normally a $500 comforter and as a matter of fact I still have it although the feathers are kind of falling out. I'll probably just need to take it to a seamstress and have her resell a few things but I'm still keeping that as I am going to keep this. Incredible feel and very warm for an L2. The design is great. I haven't washed it yet but on order to fluff it I basically put it in the dryer for an hour on delicates with no heat. It did come sealed in a small box but it was absolutely perfect after an hour on fluff with no heat. I will end up buying another one when I get a king size bed. All I need now is a duvet that feels just like this comforter. There was no scent as some people mentioned. It smelled fresh right out of the box.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
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Kalisha
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Update: replacement comforter is much better… really impressed with this small business
Size: Palatial King
Update: The comforter on my bed is now everything I hoped for: fluffy, warm, and wonderfully cozy. Getting here was a two-part story, and it’s the happy ending and the fantastic service that created it that I really want to share. I’ll be honest, my first comforter was a letdown. It arrived flat and thin and just never really… fluffed into the cozy cloud I was hoping for. I was pretty frustrated, which is why I left my original review. But then, something really nice happened. The company actually reached out to me directly. They were so kind, listened without getting defensive, and genuinely wanted to make it right. They sent a replacement, no questions asked, and the difference has been night and day. This new one is exactly what I’d imagined. It has a real, fluffy loft, it’s softer, and after letting it settle, it’s become the full, warm, and comfortable comforter I wanted from the start. My quick takeaways: · A small business that stands behind their work. This meant a lot. · Customer service was top-notch kind, FAST, and professional. · The replacement is clearly better quality: fuller, softer, and warmer. · It’s a completely different (and better) experience than the first. I really value when a company just focuses on fixing things. The way they handled this completely changed my perspective. While the first one missed the mark, their response and the quality of the replacement have made me a happy customer. I’m glad I gave them the chance to make it right, and I’m finally cozy under the comforter I was hoping for.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2026
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Clyde D Triplett
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Very Nice Comforter
Size: King
So far, very happy with my purchase, (King size comforter). Just received yesterday, unpackaged and put inside my duvet, then realized the instructions recommend you place it in the dryer, (as it comes vacuum packed). I really didn’t feel like messing with the duvet again and yet the comforter still fluffed out very nice. The outer shell is very soft, it has decorative piping around the edges and the filling is evenly spread out throughout all the pockets. One of the nicest features are the tabs, located on all four corners and in the middle of each side, (to tie to the inside of your duvet, if your duvet has the little inner strings) great for keeping the comforter in place.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026

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