Euphorbia Trigona: From $10 Discount to Towering Beauty
When I first spotted my Euphorbia trigona at a big box store, it wasn’t much to look at. Just three small, 12-inch cuttings tucked into a plastic pot with a clearance sticker slapped on for $10. I had no idea then that this modest trio would become one of the crown jewels of my indoor garden.
Despite my tendency to underestimate both my space and plant-parenting abilities, Euphorbias have always seemed to thrive under my care. Years ago, I nurtured a tiny 3-inch Euphorbia milii into a five-foot giant. I eventually had to give that one away. And now, history is repeating itself. My Euphorbia trigona has skyrocketed to over six feet tall.
Currently living in a warm, west-facing window with filtered light through sheer curtains, this plant couldn’t ask for a better spot. The ambient warmth keeps it thriving year-round, even during the winter, with temperatures consistently above 25°C. It’s low-maintenance, rewarding, and seems to grow taller each time I blink.
Care has been straightforward: I water deeply every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out in between. It gets a slow-release fertilizer every 3 to 6 months, with the occasional liquid feed added during watering sessions. It lives in a 10-inch pot now, its third upgrade after outgrowing smaller homes. While the pot is already quite large, I’m confident it can support the plant as it reaches for the ceiling. At which point it’ll get a well-deserved trim.
One of my favorite quirks is the way a newly stretched-out branch has grown long enough to rest gently on top of the TV. It found a cozy perch on its own, adding a little extra green to my living room’s landscape. Euphorbia trigona has a way of making itself comfortable, graceful, but a bit assertive.
I’ve learned to respect this plant’s needs, and it’s rewarded me with stunning growth, unique architectural form, and resilience. It asks for very little and gives back so much. If it keeps up this pace, I’ll be pruning and propagating sooner than expected. Not a bad problem to have.
Euphorbia Trigona Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect sun. Thrives in a west or south-facing window with filtered light.
Temperature: Prefers warm environments. Ideal indoor temps: 20–30°C (68–86°F); never below 10°C (50°F).
Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Water deeply every 1–2 weeks.
Soil: Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer every 3–6 months. Optional liquid feed monthly during growing season.
Pot Size: Upgrade as needed. Euphorbia trigona has strong vertical growth and benefits from a stable, roomy pot.
Pruning: Trim back when it reaches your desired height. Use cuttings for propagation.
Perfect for beginners and collectors alike, Euphorbia trigona is a low-maintenance houseplant that can grow to dramatic heights with minimal care.