Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Euphorbia Grafted Mermaid Tail Red is an unusual sculptural succulent known for its dramatic fan-shaped crest with rich red, pink, burgundy, green, and cream coloration. The rippled upper growth resembles coral, a seashell, or a mermaid’s tail and is grafted onto an upright green Euphorbia rootstock. Each plant develops a slightly different combination of folds and colors, making it an eye-catching choice for sunny windows, plant stands, and succulent collections.
This plant is commonly sold as Red Mermaid Tail, Grafted Mermaid Tail Euphorbia, or Red Coral Cactus. It is typically a colorful crested form of Euphorbia lactea, often listed as Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’, grafted onto a compatible Euphorbia rootstock. Despite frequently being called a cactus, it is not a true cactus. It belongs to the genus Euphorbia and produces the characteristic milky latex sap associated with the group.
Euphorbia Grafted Mermaid Tail Red does best in very bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sun. Strong filtered light helps maintain its compact growth and vivid red and pink coloration. Some direct morning or late-afternoon sun can be beneficial, but gradually acclimate the plant to stronger sunlight to reduce the risk of scorching.
Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely or almost completely before watering again. Both the crested upper portion and the rootstock are highly susceptible to rot when kept consistently wet. Reduce watering significantly during cooler months and periods of slower growth.
Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with excellent drainage. Adding pumice, perlite, lava rock, or other gritty materials can improve drainage and help prevent excess moisture from remaining around the roots.
Euphorbia Grafted Mermaid Tail Red prefers warm temperatures and low to moderate humidity. It adapts well to normal household conditions and does not require additional humidity. Protect it from freezing temperatures, prolonged cold drafts, and consistently damp conditions.
This plant has a slow-growing, crested growth habit. Because it is grafted, its long-term health depends on both the colorful crest and the rootstock remaining healthy. The rootstock may occasionally produce its own shoots, which can be removed so they do not compete with the grafted portion. Avoid damaging the graft connection between the upper crest and rootstock.
Euphorbia Grafted Mermaid Tail Red is toxic to cats and dogs. Its milky latex sap can cause significant irritation to the mouth, skin, and eyes, and ingestion may cause drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. The sap can also irritate human skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling damaged or cut portions of the plant and keep it away from pets and small children.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
