Source: Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia gottlebei
IntermediateEuphorbia gottlebei
A shrubby Madagascan spurge with slender, densely spiny branches, narrow leaves and small flowers with orange-red bracts below the branch tips. It looks like a miniature crown-of-thorns.
About
Euphorbia gottlebei is a shrubby spurge endemic to south-western Madagascar, known only from its type locality in the Fiherenana valley west of Sakaraha. It grows on steep limestone slopes in subarid deciduous thorn thicket and probably has a very restricted range; threats are habitat degradation, fire and collection for the national and international horticultural trade, and the IUCN Red List category is Vulnerable. It looks like a miniature crown-of-thorns (E. milii), but it is a laxly branched shrub that can reach 1.5 m rather than a fat caudiciform, with a long taproot. Main stems are up to 2 cm thick and densely spiny, with spines up to 1.5 cm. Narrow leaves up to 6 cm long crowd on new growth and fall in the dry season. Clusters of 4-16 small flowers form below the branch tips; the bracts are usually orange-red, and dark red, yellow and pink variants have been developed in cultivation. In Japan it is sold mainly on online auction sites, sometimes as a "red-flowered narrow-leaf type".
Size of the Euphorbia gottlebei
The Euphorbia gottlebei grows to Up to 1.5 m tall.
Basic Info
Origin
South-western Madagascar (Fiherenana valley)
Lifespan
Perennial shrub (little published data)
Size
Up to 1.5 m tall
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Average feeding in summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It prefers light shade and can be grown in a pot indoors.
Watering
Give average water in summer and reduce it during winter dormancy.
Temperature & Overwintering
A slow-growing, cold-sensitive species. It tolerates some cold when dormant, but keeping it above 10°C is safest.
Soil & Repotting
Use a very free-draining mineral mix. It has a long taproot, so a deeper pot suits it.
Propagation
Mainly propagated by seed, and also by cuttings; wash the latex off the cut and let it dry for about a week before inserting.
Pests & Cautions
Like all Euphorbia, its white latex irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves when cutting or repotting and keep it away from eyes and mouth. The spines are sharp too. With only one known wild site, choosing seed-raised plants helps protect wild populations.
Euphorbia gottlebei FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Euphorbia gottlebei?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Euphorbia gottlebei get?
The mature size of Euphorbia gottlebei is Up to 1.5 m tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Euphorbia gottlebei?
Euphorbia gottlebei: watering & fertilizer — Average feeding in summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Euphorbia gottlebei?
The price of Euphorbia gottlebei varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (covered by the listing of succulent Euphorbia species). International trade needs an export permit, but no registration is required for transfers within Japan. The IUCN Red List category is Vulnerable.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia gottlebei / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Euphorbia gottlebei
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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