Embarking on the journey of cultivating ghost cacti demands a good understanding of ghost cactus care. It is easy to grow and care for, but it still requires a bit of gardening wisdom.

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As you delve into this, you’ll discover the art of nurturing these unique plants and creating an environment that resonates with their natural home.

You're reading: The Captivating ‘White Ghost Cactus’: A Comprehensive Ghost Cactus Care

Euphorbia lactea, also known as the ‘White Ghost Cactus,’ is a mesmerizing plant that showcases an ethereal blend of colors, including creamy white, pink, green, and yellow.

Standing tall with its triangular stems adorned with spikes, this captivating succulent creates a candelabra-like silhouette.

Spanning over six feet when fully mature, it originally hails from tropical regions, making it adaptable to humid conditions.

White Chost Cactus

Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ boasts tall, triangular stems adorned with sharp spikes.

Its mesmerizing coloration is a combination of creamy white, delicate pink, and subtle swirls of green and yellow.

The growth rate of this plant depends on factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and temperature.

White Ghost Cactus Care: The 4 Basics

Taking care of this captivating succulent is not as daunting as it may seem. Here are some essential care considerations:

1. Watering

Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Adjust the frequency and amount of water based on factors such as soil type, sunlight, and temperature.
Remember, overwatering can harm your Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus,’ so moderation is key.

2. Fertilization

Generally, succulents, including Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus,’ thrive in nutrient-poor soils and may not require frequent fertilization.
If you decide to fertilize, ensure you are using the appropriate succulent fertilizer.
Familiarize yourself with the nuances of succulent fertilization for optimal results.

3. Pruning Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’

Pruning is essential to maintain the plant’s shape and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Typically, extensive pruning is not necessary unless a branch dies or shows signs of rot.

4. Repotting

Repot your Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ when it becomes root-bound, which can slow its growth.
Opt for a larger pot to accommodate its expanding root system.

Safety Concerns

When interacting with Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus,’ it’s crucial to take safety precautions into account:

– Milky Sap

The plant’s milky sap, akin to that found in poinsettias and fig trees, possesses a potent irritant quality. When engaging with this botanical specimen, exercise caution by donning protective gloves.
In the event of skin contact, swiftly cleanse any exposed areas to mitigate the potential effects of the sap.

– Children and Pets

Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets, as is advisable with most houseplants.

Ghost Cactus Care: Elements For A Thriving Plant

Whether you plan to keep it indoors or on your patio, here are key considerations for container gardening:

– Room for Growth

Provide adequate space for your Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ to flourish.
A container with a diameter of 8-12 inches and a depth of 10 inches is a good starting point.

– Indoor vs. Outdoor

You can grow Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ both indoors and on the patio.
If placed outdoors, protect it from harsh midday sun, which can lead to sunburn and scorching.

Optimal Growing Zones and Sunlight Requirements

Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ thrives under specific conditions:

– Outdoor Growing Zones

This plant thrives in outdoor zones 9b-11.
Adequate sunlight is essential, although the required amount varies depending on location due to its low chlorophyll content.
In colder regions, consider bringing it indoors or providing winter protection.

Ghost Cactus Flower

In spring and summer, Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ produces petite white or yellow flowers. However, potted plants and those grown indoors tend to flower less frequently.

Propagating Ghost Cactus

Surprisingly, despite its lack of traditional leaves, Euphorbia lactea, also known as the White Ghost Cactus, can be propagated through stem cuttings. Here’s how:

Choose a Healthy Stem

Select a stem that is at least 6 inches long and not overly woody.

Cut the Stem

Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node (where the stem branches off). You may notice white, milky sap oozing from the cut; avoid contact with it as it is poisonous.

Allow Callusing

Place the cutting in a warm, dry area and let the cut end callus for a day or two.

Plant the Cutting

Fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil and create a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and gently pack the soil around it.

Safety Precautions

Remember that Euphorbias produce a milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes. Always wear gloves when handling cuttings and wash off any sap promptly if it comes into contact with your skin.

Ghost Cactus Sibling

Grafting is a horticultural technique that combines two plants to create a single entity.

In the case of Euphorbia lactea, the scion (top part) provides unique features, while the rootstock (bottom part) offers essential nutrients and water-absorbing abilities. The result is a plant with the best of both worlds.

Euphorbia lactea cristata, also known as the ‘Coral Cactus,’ is a visually stunning cultivar of the ‘White Ghost Cactus.’

Achieved through a grafting process, it merges the top part of Euphorbia lactea with the bottom part of another plant, specifically Euphorbia neriifolia.

Euphorbia lactea cristata ‘Coral Cactus’ benefits from enhanced stability and adaptability, thanks to the rootstock.

Meanwhile, the scion grants it a captivating coral-like crest.

Keep in mind that crested succulents may have unique care requirements, so be sure to research and care for them accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost Cactus’ is a visually striking houseplant with unique characteristics and straightforward care requirements.

Its adaptability to humid conditions and preference for partial shade make it an excellent choice for both seasoned gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Cacti & Succulents