Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Multi African Candelabra
Multi African Candelabra is Euphorbia ammak grown as a multi-branched plant, with thick, four-winged, blue-green stems that rise from a short trunk like a candelabra. Short paired spines line the ribs. In a container or a sheltered bed it makes a tall, bold accent. It starts at about 5 to 10 feet and can reach 15 feet or more in the ground over time.
Best for: big containers, courtyards and sheltered accent spots with winter protection, away from paths and pets.
Several thick, four-winged stems rise from a short trunk, so it reads as a living candelabra. It grows fairly fast, from about 5 to 10 feet up to 15 feet or more over time.
In a big pot with fast-draining cactus mix it can be moved under cover on freeze nights. Let the mix dry between waterings.
In the ground, give it a warm, sheltered spot with excellent drainage, where you can cover it with frost cloth in cold snaps.
It is not frost tolerant and needs cover near 32°F. Its paired spines and irritating sap make it a poor fit beside paths, kids and pets.
Water deeply, then let the soil dry out before the next watering. Water in the warm months when the soil is dry, and very little in winter. Soggy soil rots the roots.
It grows in full sun to bright light and likes warmth and good air flow around the stems.
It is not frost tolerant, about 32°F if dry. Cover it with frost cloth to the ground on freeze nights, or move a pot under cover.
Every cut or broken stem bleeds milky sap that irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when you plant or trim it. Prune only with gloves and eye protection, since the tall stems bleed a lot of sap.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Is African candelabra a cactus?
No. It is a euphorbia, a succulent related to poinsettias, even though it looks like a cactus. A broken stem bleeds milky sap, which cacti do not.
How big does it get?
It grows into a tree-like plant with several thick, upright stems. Plan on 5 to 10 feet at first and 15 feet or more in the ground over time, so plant it where it has headroom.
How fast does it grow?
It is a fairly fast grower for a succulent once it is rooted in warm, well-drained soil. Buy the size that fits the spot now, and leave room for it to grow up.
How cold can it take?
It is frost sensitive, about 32°F if kept dry. Cover it on freeze nights or move a pot under cover.
Is the sap dangerous?
Yes, handle it with care. The milky sap from a cut or broken stem irritates skin and eyes and is toxic if eaten. Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash sap off skin with water.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. Euphorbias are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed; the sap irritates the mouth and stomach and can cause vomiting. Plant it where pets cannot chew it.
How often should I water it?
Let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings in the warm months. Water very little in winter, since soggy soil rots the roots.
Does it need full sun?
It grows in full sun to bright light. Give it a warm spot with good air flow around the stems.
What soil does it need?
It needs soil with excellent drainage. In a pot, use a fast-draining cactus mix and a pot with a drain hole.
Multi African Candelabra for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Multi African Candelabra is Euphorbia ammak, a tree-like succulent from the Arabian Peninsula with branching, four-winged stems. Below is what to expect in a Valley yard: size, sun, water, frost protection and handling.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
What is African candelabra?
It is Euphorbia ammak, a tree-like succulent from Yemen and Saudi Arabia with thick, four-winged, blue-green stems and paired spines.
How big does Euphorbia ammak get?
Plan for about 5 to 10 feet at first and 15 feet or more over time in the ground, with several upright stems.
Is African candelabra frost hardy?
No. It is frost sensitive, about 32°F. Cover it or move a pot under cover on freeze nights.
Is African candelabra a cactus?
No. It is a euphorbia, not a true cactus. Cut stems bleed milky sap, which irritates skin and eyes.
How do you water Euphorbia ammak in Phoenix?
Water when the soil is dry in the warm months, and very little in winter.
Is Euphorbia ammak toxic?
Yes. The milky sap is toxic and irritating. Wear gloves and eye protection and keep it from pets.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.