15 Best Euphorbia Succulents for Indoor Spaces

If you’re looking to add exotic flair to your indoor space, Euphorbia succulents offer striking shapes and low-maintenance appeal. These architectural plants range from the petite Crown of Thorns, with its year-round blooms, to the towering African Milk Tree that can reach 6 feet indoors. You’ll find that these versatile succulents adapt well to typical home conditions, though they pack a surprising secret: their milky sap requires careful handling during maintenance.

1. Crown of Thorns Euphorbia

The Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a striking succulent native to Madagascar, known for its woody stems covered in sharp thorns and clusters of small, colorful bracts that bloom year-round. These plants typically grow to 3-6 feet tall and feature oval-shaped green leaves that may drop during drought periods. Despite its intimidating appearance, it’s a popular houseplant valued for its long-lasting blooms, which commonly appear in red, pink, or yellow, and its ability to tolerate various indoor conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• pH: 6.0-7.0

2. African Milk Tree Euphorbia

The African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a tall, columnar succulent that can reach heights of 6-8 feet indoors. Native to Central Africa, this plant features triangular stems with small leaves and sharp spines along its ridges. Despite its common name, it’s not actually a tree but rather a succulent that grows in an upright, branching pattern. The plant produces a toxic white latex sap when cut, which gives it the “milk tree” nickname and requires careful handling to avoid skin irritation.

• Light: Bright indirect light to full sun; can tolerate some direct sunlight but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; highly drought tolerant
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; terracotta preferred for better moisture control

3. Pencil Cactus Euphorbia

The Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a unique succulent that, despite its name, is not actually a cactus. This African native can grow up to 30 feet tall in its natural habitat but remains manageable as a houseplant. Its distinctive appearance comes from its pencil-thin, green stems that grow in dense, branching clusters, creating a sculptural form. The stems contain a toxic white latex sap that can cause skin irritation and should be handled with caution.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct sun; avoid low-light conditions
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); cannot tolerate frost
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Pruning: Can be pruned to control size; wear protective gloves when handling
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings
• Toxicity: Highly toxic; keep away from children and pets

4. Euphorbia Lactea Spiral Crest

The Euphorbia lactea ‘Spiral Crest’ is a fascinating crested succulent known for its distinctive fan-shaped, spiraling growth pattern. This mutation of the standard Euphorbia lactea creates a rippling, coral-like appearance that makes it a striking architectural specimen for indoor spaces. The plant features a blue-green to grayish coloration and produces a white latex sap when cut. As a crested form, it typically grows wider rather than taller, developing intricate folds and waves along its edges.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Container: Pot with drainage holes mandatory
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Growing Medium pH: 6.0-7.0

5. Caribbean Copper Plant

The Caribbean Copper Plant (Euphorbia cotinifolia) is a striking succulent-like plant known for its deep burgundy to copper-colored foliage. Though technically not a true succulent, it’s often grouped with Euphorbia succulents due to its similar care requirements and latex-containing stems. Growing up to 15 feet tall in outdoor settings but remaining more compact indoors, this tropical plant features oval leaves that emerge reddish-purple and maintain their dramatic coloring throughout the year, making it a stunning focal point in indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; more sun exposure intensifies leaf color
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water moderately during growing season and reduce in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Average household humidity levels; tolerates dry air
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot

6. Desert Spurge Euphorbia

Desert Spurge Euphorbia (Euphorbia echinus) is a compact, spiny succulent native to Morocco and Western Sahara. This slow-growing plant forms dense clusters of cylindrical stems covered in sharp thorns, giving it a cactus-like appearance despite being a true euphorbia. The stems are typically grayish-green and can reach heights of up to 12 inches. During its growing season, it produces small yellow flowers, though these are usually minor compared to the plant’s architectural form.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight; thrives in sunny windowsills or under grow lights
• Water: Minimal watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix or regular potting soil mixed with sand and perlite
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced, diluted fertilizer
• Container: Clay or terracotta pots with drainage holes
• Winter Care: Reduce watering considerably; protect from cold drafts

7. Mottled Spurge

Mottled Spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a striking succulent characterized by its upright, candelabra-like growth pattern and distinctive mottled appearance. The plant features gray-green stems with irregular white patches and sharp thorns along its edges. This architectural plant can grow up to 15 feet tall in its natural habitat but remains more compact when grown indoors. As with other Euphorbia species, it produces a toxic white latex sap that can cause skin irritation, so careful handling is essential.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate brief periods down to 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; terracotta preferred to prevent root rot

8. Snowflake Euphorbia

The Snowflake Euphorbia (Euphorbia lactea cristata) is a striking succulent known for its fan-shaped, wavy growth pattern that resembles a coral reef or snowflake formation. This crested form is actually a mutation of the standard Euphorbia lactea, creating a distinctive rippled appearance along its edges. The plant typically displays a blue-green to gray-green color and can develop a white or cream variegation. Like other euphorbias, it produces a white latex sap that can be irritating to skin and toxic if ingested.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Minimal watering needed; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Propagation: Through grafting only, as crested forms cannot be grown from cuttings

9. Medusa’s Head Euphorbia

Medusa’s Head Euphorbia (Euphorbia caput-medusae) is a unique succulent native to South Africa, featuring a thick central stem with snake-like branches that sprawl outward and downward, resembling the mythological Medusa’s hair of snakes. This slow-growing plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height and can spread up to 24 inches wide. The cylindrical branches are gray-green in color and produce small yellow flowers in spring, though flowering is rare in cultivation.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Minimal watering needed; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from frost
• Humidity: Low humidity preferred; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Container: Clay or terracotta pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season only
• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound

10. Indian Spurge Euphorbia Tirucalli

The Indian Spurge Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as Pencil Cactus or Milk Bush, is a tree-like succulent that can grow up to 30 feet tall in its natural habitat but remains much smaller when grown indoors. Its distinctive appearance comes from its dense clusters of pencil-thin, cylindrical green stems that grow in a branching pattern. The plant contains a toxic white latex sap that can cause skin irritation and should be handled with caution. Native to semi-arid tropical regions of Africa and India, this drought-tolerant succulent has become a popular indoor plant due to its architectural form and minimal care requirements.

• Light: Bright, direct to indirect sunlight; can tolerate full sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 50-85°F (10-29°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity
• Growing Medium: Clay or terracotta pots with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• pH: 6.0-7.0

11. Japanese Ghost Spurge Euphorbia

The Japanese Ghost Spurge (Euphorbia japonica) is a striking succulent featuring pale green to whitish stems and leaves that create an ethereal, ghost-like appearance. This compact euphorbia typically grows to about 12-18 inches tall and produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers. Its distinctive coloring and architectural form make it an excellent choice for indoor displays, while its low-maintenance nature adds to its appeal as a houseplant.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Average room humidity; tolerates dry conditions
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Potting: Use containers with drainage holes
• Propagation: Stem cuttings in spring or summer

12. Gorgon’s Head Euphorbia

Gorgon’s Head Euphorbia (Euphorbia medusoid) is a striking succulent known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a central stem surrounded by snake-like, cylindrical branches that give it its mythological namesake. This compact plant typically grows to about 6-8 inches tall and produces small, insignificant flowers. Its unique growth pattern and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation, though care should be taken as all parts contain toxic latex sap.

• Light: Bright indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Stem cuttings (allow to callus before planting)

13. Variegated Euphorbia Flanaganii

Variegated Euphorbia Flanaganii is a striking succulent featuring green and cream-colored stripes along its snake-like, trailing stems. This rare cultivar of the traditional Flanaganii species maintains the same medusa-like growth pattern as its parent plant but adds visual interest through its distinctive variegation. The stems grow in a spiral pattern and can reach lengths of up to 24 inches, creating an eye-catching cascading effect when planted in hanging baskets or allowed to trail over pot edges.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix or regular potting soil amended with perlite and sand
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity levels
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; terra cotta preferred
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season (spring/summer)
• Propagation: Stem cuttings allowed to callus before planting

14. Wax Spurge Euphorbia

Wax Spurge Euphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is a distinctive succulent characterized by its upright stems topped with clusters of lime-green flowers and dark green, whorled leaves that can take on a purple tinge in cooler weather. This hardy plant typically grows to 1-2 feet tall and features a bushy, compact growth habit. The plant gets its common name from its waxy stems and leaves, which contain a milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes if contacted.

• Light: Thrives in partial shade to full sun; prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates
• Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 6-9; prefers temperatures between 60-75°F
• Humidity: Adaptable to average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Pruning: Remove spent flower heads to maintain shape and encourage new growth

15. Candelabra Desert Spurge

The Candelabra Desert Spurge (Euphorbia ammak) is a striking succulent that grows in a tree-like form with multiple upright branches resembling a candelabra. Native to parts of Africa and Arabia, this plant can reach impressive heights of up to 20 feet in its natural habitat, though it remains more manageable when grown indoors. Its stems are thick, ribbed, and bluish-green in color, featuring small spines along the edges. Like other euphorbias, it produces a toxic white latex sap when cut or damaged.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sun
• Water: Minimal watering needed; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix; add extra perlite or sand for improved drainage
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from frost
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels; no additional humidity required
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season; none needed in winter
• Container: Deep pot with drainage holes to accommodate root system
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth rate