Euphorbia Medusa

How to Grow and Care

Unlike most succulents, Medusa's Head does not handle long periods of drought well. During the summer, it may need weekly watering. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. It warns of a lack of water by gradually curling up its arms toward the center. Water deeply, but don't let it sit in wet soil, as this can cause root rot.

It thrives under direct sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for decent health and growth. On brighter subjects, Medusa's Head makes an exceptional container plant, and it can also be put into gardens so long as it is protected from freezes.

Once it reaches a certain size, a mother plant will produce pups on older arms' ends. The growth starts as a swelling at the end of an arm, and the caudex and arms rapidly grow. After a time, if they don't root on their own, the arm shrivels and allows the pup to roll away, where it rapidly grows if given access to soil and water. If you're not careful, you can end up with a greenhouse full of them.

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).