Euphorbia mammillaris f. variegata - Indian Corn Cob

Highlights

Indian Corn Cob (Euphorbia mammiliaris f. variegata): A columnar, cactus-like plant studded with occasional spikes that resemble toothpicks. "Corn cob" euphorbias are lined with raised tubercles that shrink in the dry season and swell when rehydrated. They are extremely drought tolerant and need great drainage. Water up to once a week in the summer and up to once a month in the winter, allowing the soil to fully dry out between waterings. With plenty of space and sunlight, E. mammillaris can reach 12.0" tall and sprout new branches from its base. This plant is fully rooted in a 2.0" square, plastic pot.

PLEASE NOTE: Euphorbia contain a white, latex sap that can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Use gloves and eye protection to handle.

Euphorbia will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 75% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

Full Euphorbia Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

White

All Seasonal Colors

Blue / Blue-green, Pink

Bloom Color

Yellow Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 9 (20F), Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun

Maximum Height

9"-12"

Growth Habit / Shape

Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Special Characteristic

Slow Grower, Variegated

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 9 - 10

9 10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

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Popular Questions

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2 years ago

My corn cob has grown into a trailing form. It is under very bright light and also in a bright window. See answer

Long trailing branches. Hardened off (tan color) at the crown on some branches. Healthy looking, just getting HUGE and taking up a lot of stand shelf space. I'm thinking of cutting it back and starting over but the pieces I've stuck back in the container are doing the same thing. See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes! A lot of the succulent Euphorbia can grow very large. Taking stem cuttings is a great way to propagate the long stems. Do be careful not to get its caustic, white sap on your skin or in your eyes when cutting into Euphorbia though! See full answer »

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2 years ago

Can this catus grow in Oregon.. inside home? See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes it can! It likes lots of sunlight, so a south facing window is the best. However, you can also use a grow light to provide light and not mess around with any windows. You can read our recommendations and tips for grow lights at the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs... See full answer »

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3 years ago

My corn cob catus is just a single cylinder and has not grown any arms, is this normal? It is about 10 in tall See answer

Why isn't my corm cob cactus growing any arms? See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

It's hard to say exactly without knowing your growing conditions, but the most likely culprit is lack of sunshine. Euphorbia need lots of full sun to grow vigorously and branch. You could also try a few applications of diluted fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth. See full answer »

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2 years ago

I was gifted a small corn cob cactus cutting. Should I leave it on top of the soil till it gets a root, or just pla See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Simply poking the cut end of the plant into soil will be enough to get it to root. After a week, give it some water and continue that weekly until it roots. Just be sure not to give it water if the soil is still damp from your previous watering. See full answer »

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1 year ago

Does it need a heat pack See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

A heat pack would ideal for this plant when the weather is cold. You can find those by clicking the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/unih... See full answer »

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1 year ago

Will it live well in El Paso Texas See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

Although Indian Corn Cob would appreciate the low humidity and bright sun you get in El Paso, it would have to be protected during the coldest parts of the winter. This protection could be as simple as covering the plant with a sheet before frosts. You could also plant it close to your house so the residual heat that escapes through your insulation will protect it. Alternatively, plant it in a container that can be brought indoors before any hard frosts. See full answer »

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3 years ago

What does limited and exclusive mean? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Hi there!

The limited tag just means that we don't have a whole lot of that plant, and propagating it takes a lot of time. Plants with the limited tag can only be ordered once per order. In other words, you can only order one of them at a time.

The exclusive tag means that we're the only major outfit that sells that particular plant. You may be able to find an Etsy or Ebay listing, but no major nurseries are selling it, with the exception of us. These plants are rare, and typically exciting, but they're going to be a bit pricey.

I hope this all helps! See full answer »

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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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4 years ago

When should I plant my succulents after they arrive? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

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4 years ago

Do I need to fertilize succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

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