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 White is an unusual sculptural succulent known for its dramatic fan-shaped crest with creamy white, pale green, and sometimes soft pink 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 shape and pattern, making it an eye-catching choice for sunny windows, plant stands, and succulent collections.
This plant is commonly sold as White Mermaid Tail, Grafted Mermaid Tail Euphorbia, or White Coral Cactus. It is typically a grafted crested form of Euphorbia lactea, often sold as Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’ or ‘White Ghost’ types, attached to 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 White does best in very bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sun. The heavily white or cream portions contain less chlorophyll and can be more sensitive to intense sunlight than green growth. Gradually acclimate the plant to direct sun and protect it from prolonged harsh afternoon sunlight that may scorch the pale crest.
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 White 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 decorative crest and the rootstock remaining healthy. The rootstock may occasionally produce its own shoots, which can be removed so it does not compete with the grafted portion. Avoid damaging the graft connection between the upper crest and rootstock.
Euphorbia Grafted Mermaid Tail White 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
