Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia trigona
Bring instant architecture to your space with the شمعدان (Euphorbia trigona) Red Form. Its candle-like columns and rich burgundy highlights make it a premium statement piece for bright interiors, reception areas, and balconies—without demanding constant care. Just give it light, let the soil dry, and enjoy a sculptural look all year long.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: شمعدان
Botanical Name: Euphorbia trigona
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Succulent houseplant (Spurge)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0149
Alternative Names:
Red Form
Multicolor
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. trigona
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to Central Africa (Cameroon, Sudan, Uganda). Widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical, subtropical, and indoor environments worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Stems: Upright, triangular succulent stems with prominent ribs and spines along edges.
Color: Deep green stems with burgundy-red highlights on new growth and margins.
Leaves: Small, paired fleshy leaves on stem ridges; often shed on older stems.
Flowers: Inconspicuous yellow-green cyathia (flower clusters) appearing at stem tips.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Indoors up to 1–2 m; outdoors may reach 3–4 m.
Spread: Typically 0.5–1 m.
Growth Rate: Moderate (5–10 cm per year under optimal conditions).
6. Light Requirements
Bright light to full sun. Ideal: 4–6 hours of direct morning sun or bright indirect light. Tolerates afternoon sun if acclimated. Avoid deep shade to prevent leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly when top 5 cm of soil are dry. In active growth (spring–summer): every 10–14 days. Dormant period (autumn–winter): reduce to every 3–4 weeks. Always allow excess water to drain.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix enriched with coarse sand or perlite. pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic). Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, preferably in spring.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–27 °C. Minimum: 10 °C (avoid frost). Prefers low to moderate humidity; average indoor humidity is acceptable. High humidity may increase risk of rot.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced (10-10-10) or low-nitrogen cactus/succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly during the growing season (spring–summer). Do not fertilize in winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low. Prune sparingly to maintain shape; wear gloves to avoid latex contact. Remove spent growth and inspect for pests. Minimal grooming required; occasional dusting of stems.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation: Stem cuttings. Allow cut end to callus for 1–2 days, then insert into a well-draining mix. Rooting in 2–4 weeks under bright, indirect light. Offsets rarely produced.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering: Root and stem rot. Symptoms: blackened stems, mushy tissue.
Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, scale.
Sunburn: Brown or white scars from abrupt exposure to intense sun.
Latex Irritation: Milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental architectural accent for homes, offices, and reception areas. Ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. Provides vertical interest and sculptural form in containers and borders.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain toxic milky latex. Can cause skin irritation, eye injury, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling or pruning.
Euphorbia trigona
Bring instant architecture to your space with the شمعدان (Euphorbia trigona) Red Form. Its candle-like columns and rich burgundy highlights make it a premium statement piece for bright interiors, reception areas, and balconies—without demanding constant care. Just give it light, let the soil dry, and enjoy a sculptural look all year long.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: شمعدان
Botanical Name: Euphorbia trigona
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Succulent houseplant (Spurge)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0149
Alternative Names:
Red Form
Multicolor
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. trigona
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to Central Africa (Cameroon, Sudan, Uganda). Widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical, subtropical, and indoor environments worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Stems: Upright, triangular succulent stems with prominent ribs and spines along edges.
Color: Deep green stems with burgundy-red highlights on new growth and margins.
Leaves: Small, paired fleshy leaves on stem ridges; often shed on older stems.
Flowers: Inconspicuous yellow-green cyathia (flower clusters) appearing at stem tips.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Indoors up to 1–2 m; outdoors may reach 3–4 m.
Spread: Typically 0.5–1 m.
Growth Rate: Moderate (5–10 cm per year under optimal conditions).
6. Light Requirements
Bright light to full sun. Ideal: 4–6 hours of direct morning sun or bright indirect light. Tolerates afternoon sun if acclimated. Avoid deep shade to prevent leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly when top 5 cm of soil are dry. In active growth (spring–summer): every 10–14 days. Dormant period (autumn–winter): reduce to every 3–4 weeks. Always allow excess water to drain.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix enriched with coarse sand or perlite. pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic). Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, preferably in spring.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–27 °C. Minimum: 10 °C (avoid frost). Prefers low to moderate humidity; average indoor humidity is acceptable. High humidity may increase risk of rot.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced (10-10-10) or low-nitrogen cactus/succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly during the growing season (spring–summer). Do not fertilize in winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low. Prune sparingly to maintain shape; wear gloves to avoid latex contact. Remove spent growth and inspect for pests. Minimal grooming required; occasional dusting of stems.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation: Stem cuttings. Allow cut end to callus for 1–2 days, then insert into a well-draining mix. Rooting in 2–4 weeks under bright, indirect light. Offsets rarely produced.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering: Root and stem rot. Symptoms: blackened stems, mushy tissue.
Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, scale.
Sunburn: Brown or white scars from abrupt exposure to intense sun.
Latex Irritation: Milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental architectural accent for homes, offices, and reception areas. Ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. Provides vertical interest and sculptural form in containers and borders.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain toxic milky latex. Can cause skin irritation, eye injury, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling or pruning.