Plant Care Ghost Cactus

Ghost Cactus

4.6 out of 5 (24 experiences)

Ghost Cactus has a Survivor plant personality Survivor
Ghost Cactus has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves

About Ghost Cactus

This plant grows tiny leaves that drop off once they mature. Plants in the Euphorbia genus have poisonous, milky, white, latex-like sap so be sure to keep them far from curious pets and children ⚠️ You may hear them referred to as cacti, but they're actually completely unrelated and belong to a group of plants known as spurges!

Taxonomy

Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia
Euphorbiaceae
Malpighiales

Also known as

Candelabra Cactus, Candelabra Cactus, Dragon Bones, False Cactus, Elkhorn, Hat Rack Cactus, Mottled Spurge, Dragon Bone Cactus and Coral Cactus

How to care for Ghost Cactus

💦 Water

How often to water your Ghost Cactus

Water needs for Ghost Cactus
0.5 cups
every 12

Ghost Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Ghost Cactus

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Candelabra Cactus in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Ghost Cactus: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Ghost Cactus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Ghost Cactus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ghost Cactus in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Ghost Cactus

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Ghost Cactus: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ghost Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Euphorbia
💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Ghost Cactus is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

How to Grow Candelabra Cactus →

Benefits of Growing Candelabra Cactus →

Common Candelabra Cactus Problems →

Indoor Care Guide for Candelabra Cactus →

Outdoor Care Guide for Candelabra Cactus →


💦 Water Needs

Ghost Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Candelabra Cactus Water Frequency →

Candelabra Cactus Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Ghost Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Candelabra Cactus Light Requirements →

Candelabra Cactus Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Ghost Cactus is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Ghost Cactus is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


💨 Humidity

Ghost Cactus enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Candelabra Cactus Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Ghost Cactus is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Candelabra Cactus →

Best Pots for Candelabra Cactus →

When and How to Successfully Repot Candelabra Cactus →

What Are Healthy Candelabra Cactus Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Ghost Cactus grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Candelabra Cactus →


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Ghost Cactus to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Ghost Cactus is native to Worldwide.


🌸 Flowers
⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Ghost Cactus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Candelabra Cactus Lifecycle →

Candelabra Cactus Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Candelabra Cactus →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Ghost Cactus can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

How to Propagate Candelabra Cactus →


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


😖 Common Issues

Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with Ghost Cactus. These plants are very sensitive to wet soil so if you notice your plant becoming squishy or translucent, overwatering is the likely culprit.

Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


Care Summary for Ghost Cactus

Ghost Cactus

Ghost Cactus


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Ghost Cactus has a Survivor plant personality Survivor 18
Ghost Cactus has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves 3
Ghost Cactus has a Fast grower plant personality Fast grower 2
Ghost Cactus has a Easy to propagate plant personality Easy to propagate 2
@ddevidea avatar
@@ddevidea
leaf-1 13 Plants
xp 184 XP
01/20/2022

survives out of zero care literally. I've had him for few years ever since he was just a little stem. Never faced bright light, only watered a few times a year but he's thriving regardless

Survivor Survivor
Large, lush leaves Large, lush leaves
Fast grower Fast grower
@Gor4red avatar
@@Gor4red
leaf-1 51 Plants
xp 12,212 XP
12/22/2021

I absolutely adore this plant! So weird and cool looking, but also very hardy.

Fast grower Fast grower
Large, lush leaves Large, lush leaves
Survivor Survivor
@dylanslabach avatar
@@dylanslabach
leaf-1 18 Plants
xp 806 XP
08/26/2021

Meh, just a plant I got as a gift, nothing really special, just cool looking

@jenkobeeno avatar
@@jenkobeeno
leaf-1 5 Plants
xp 224 XP
06/11/2021

smol and nice

Survivor Survivor
Easy to propagate Easy to propagate
Large, lush leaves Large, lush leaves
@oedekoven06 avatar
@@oedekoven06
leaf-1 7 Plants
xp 261 XP
globe Cheyenne, WY
05/23/2021

God remmie is just sooo cool

@loksb avatar
@@loksb
leaf-1 5 Plants
xp 36 XP
globe Rancho Cucamonga, CA
04/19/2021

She’s pretty much stayed the same but she did change colors

Survivor Survivor
@EmmyAnenome avatar
@@EmmyAnenome
leaf-1 61 Plants
xp 5,301 XP
03/03/2021

A fun, huge euphorbia!! They grow pretty fast in the right conditions

Survivor Survivor
@lilyyandow avatar
@@lilyyandow
leaf-1 45 Plants
xp 519 XP
globe Bedford, NH
02/16/2021

silly looking plant that will survive the toughest treatment

Survivor Survivor

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