A Cowboy Cactus!
Have you noticed the plethora of unique plants simply budding at the nurseries in and near Falls County, TX? Take a look at the ‘Euphorbia ingens, a.k.a. Candelabra tree, Candelabra Cactus, African Candelabra Tree, and my personal favorite, Cowboy Cactus! It is native to Southern Africa, but it has found a new home in Falls County, TX, where the sunlight is direct and the water - well, not so much of it.
Did I tell you it is a cactus?! No, the Cowboy Cactus is not a true cactus. It looks like the classic cacti seen in old Western films due to its columnar shape and double arms, but it is actually a succulent belonging to the Euphorbia family, specifically Euphorbia ingens, E. abyssinica. And it is dazzling!
Why would you want to grow a Cowboy Cactus? A Cowboy Cactus provides a dramatic, sculptural, and architectural look. They grow large and tall (some types up to 29 ft.). They look great in those empty corners! These fast-growing, hardy plants are ideal for adding Western flair, serving as a striking focal point, Some varieties offer dark to deep green colors or striking red/burgundy- toned, four-lobed, candelabra-like branches with sharp spines, often producing small yellow- green flowers along the ridges in fall or winter.
They are ideal for busy people or beginners because they are drought-tolerant and require very little care once established. It survives with minimal water (conserves water!) in sunny, well-drained spaces. The Cowboy Cactus is highly adaptable. While it loves full sun, it can handle a partially shaded area. Plus, it can also be kept in pots and be moved around or taken indoors during winter.
When grown indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light, so placing it near a window where it can receive plenty of filtered sunlight is ideal. However, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as this can cause sunburn and damage the Cowboy Cactus.
Take caution, they contain a white sap that can be irritating to skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling