How much sunlight does my Ghost Cactus need?

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 🏡.

Is Ghost Cactus toxic to cats, dogs, or children?

Ghost Cactus is not safe to consume . 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. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

How much humidity does Ghost Cactus like?

Ghost Cactus prefers dry environments . Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

What type of soil should I use for my Ghost Cactus?

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!

Should I fertilize my Ghost Cactus?

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!

Does Ghost Cactus go dormant?

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.

Which region is Ghost Cactus native to?

Ghost Cactus is native to Madagascar .

What is the growth pattern for Ghost Cactus?

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

Can Ghost Cactus be grown outdoors?

USDA Hardiness Zone Ghost Cactus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b . Find your local hardiness zone here .

How can I propagate my Ghost Cactus?

Ghost Cactus can be propagated by the stem method . To propagate: Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges. To get the cutting to root, you can either: Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.

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Ghost Cactus

Q: Is Ghost Cactus easy to care for?

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!

Q: How often should I water my Ghost Cactus?

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.

4.6 out of 5 (21 experiences)

Survivor

Easy to propagate

Also known as

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

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Euphorbia lactea

Genus

Euphorbia

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Order

Malpighiales

How to care for Ghost Cactus

Water

How often to water your Ghost Cactus

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.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

Light

Check the growing potential in your area

A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Candelabra Cactus in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Ghost Cactus: 1ft 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.

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!

Water Needs

Sunlight Needs

Toxicity

Humidity

Soil

Fertilizer

Dormancy

Native Region

Growth Pattern

Growing Outdoors