Lucky Cactus

Plant Type: Euphorbia
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 6-12 inches
Flower Color: white, pink or red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Lucky Cactus (Euphorbia ingens) – A Striking, Low-Maintenance Succulent for Phoenix Homes and Gardens

The Lucky Cactus, scientifically known as Euphorbia ingens, is a striking, easy-care succulent that’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces in the Phoenix Valley. Known for its impressive size and candelabra-like form, Euphorbia ingens brings a touch of desert elegance and architectural interest to any landscape or interior design.

Architectural Beauty and Impressive Growth

Euphorbia ingens is a fast-growing succulent that can reach 6 to 12 feet in height, but under ideal conditions, it can grow even taller. The plant’s columnar structure resembles a cactus, with thick, upright stems that branch into distinctive candelabra-like arms, giving it a sculptural and dramatic appearance. The green stems are segmented and adorned with small spines along the ribs, adding texture and enhancing its modern aesthetic.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

The Lucky Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light or full sun, making it an excellent choice for Phoenix gardens and interior spaces. This succulent is known for being extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it a fantastic low-maintenance option for those with busy lifestyles. Its ability to retain water in its thick stems allows it to survive long periods without attention, perfect for the arid conditions of Phoenix.

Ideal for Phoenix’s Climate

Euphorbia ingens is highly adaptable to the hot, dry climate of the Phoenix Valley, where it thrives outdoors in full sun. It’s also an excellent addition to container gardens, especially on patios and balconies, where its columnar growth and sculptural form make it a focal point. While it’s drought-resistant, care should be taken to plant it in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Key Benefits:

• Impressive, sculptural form adds height and drama to any landscape or interior space.
• Thrives in full sun and bright, indirect light, making it perfect for Phoenix homes and gardens.
• Drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, ideal for desert landscapes.
• Low-maintenance, great for busy homeowners and office spaces.
• Adds a striking vertical element to outdoor gardens, patios, or as a statement indoor plant.
• Excellent for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container planting.

Care and Maintenance

The Lucky Cactus (Euphorbia ingens) is a robust and low-maintenance succulent, ideal for desert landscaping in Phoenix. It prefers full sun but can tolerate bright, indirect light indoors. This plant requires watering only when the soil is completely dry, and it should be planted in well-draining soil to prevent moisture issues. It’s also recommended to handle the plant with care, as the sap of Euphorbia can be irritating to the skin.

Elevate Your Phoenix Garden with the Lucky Cactus

The Lucky Cactus is the perfect addition to Phoenix gardens, where its bold, architectural form and low-water requirements make it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes. Whether planted as a focal point in your outdoor garden or as a statement piece indoors, the Lucky Cactus will bring desert charm and modern elegance to any space.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Lucky Cactus

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for compact growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Lucky Cactus grows in a rounded, bushy form and does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Lucky Cactus is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the cactus for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks