Paddle Plant
Location
Cactus & Succulent Garden
Euphorbia xylophylloides
- Common Name: Paddle Plant (other common names: Paddle Cactus Euphorbia, Milk Bush, Flattened Pencil Cactus)
- Scientific Name: Euphorbia xylophylloides
- Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
- Origin: Madagascar
- Height: 6’ – 8’
- Width: 2’ – 3’ foot stalks and form clumps (offsets)
- Growth: It grows upward at first, but as it produces new branches the plants will sprawl laterally forming a large irregular mass.
- Zone: 9B – 11
- Light Needs: Full sun – Partial shade
- Salt Tolerance: moderate
- Soil/PH/Texture: prefers a rich good draining soil mix that is mildly acidic – mildly alkaline (pH 6.1 – 7.8) (prefer a layer of brick and charcoal pieces, on top of which sandy loam soil is spread but will tolerate any well drained soil mix).
- Soil Moisture: average, let the top 1” of soil dry out before watering – do not over water because it is susceptible to root rot.
- Drought Tolerance: high
- Pests/Diseases: little or no disease or pest problems, Overwatering and/or excessive fertilizing can lead to problems with root rot, plant scales, powdery mildew, succulent mealybugs, and mites.
- Growing Conditions: easy to grow and low maintenance
- Characteristics: flat stemmed, almost leafless, its new growth tips are yellowish when planted in a shaded area and in the sun they rend to be a burnt orange color, intermediate growth is dark green but later turning glaucous green on the older growth, stems average 4″ to 8″+ long and 1/2″ to 3/4″ inch wide, and are multi-branching, it has thick skin and no spines. New growth is often upright but as it grows, they tend to be pendant. The blooms are pale yellow and appear in late spring – early fall.
- Propagation: by division at the root or stem cuttings (allow cut surface to dry or callous over before planting)
- Wildlife: unknown
- Facts: toxins from the milky white sap in this plant may cause allergic reaction or skin irritation when handling.
- Designer Considerations: use as an accent plant, in borders, in cactus, succulent or rock gardens, great for xeriscaping, and can adapt to being in a hanging basket or trained upright in form but will require stakes/support. Also makes a great container plant for a deck or patio.
