White Ghost Cactus – Euphorbia Lactea variegate

White Ghost Cactus 🌵 Euphorbia lactea variegata**

The White Ghost Cactus is a stunning, ethereal succulent that brings a haunting beauty to any collection. A cultivar of *Euphorbia lactea*, this variegated form is almost entirely devoid of chlorophyll, resulting in its ghostly white color with subtle hints of pink or cream. This cactus-like euphorbia stands out in both minimalist modern homes and curated botanical displays. Rare, architectural, and incredibly photogenic, it’s a collector’s dream and a standout centerpiece in xeriscaping, succulent arrangements, and indoor terrariums.

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#### 🪴 **Appearance & Growth**

This euphorbia features dramatic angular stems with jagged edges and a marble-like texture. Its white coloring is truly one-of-a-kind, sometimes tinged with blush tones depending on light and maturity. Unlike other green Euphorbias, it relies heavily on grafting or specific care to thrive because of its lack of chlorophyll. While it resembles a cactus, it’s technically a succulent and prefers similar growing conditions: warm, dry, and well-draining.

Growth is moderate to slow, typically reaching up to 3–6 feet tall when mature, depending on climate and conditions. It branches outward like a candelabra, giving it a sculptural, artistic form that suits clean interiors or desert-themed gardens.

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#### 💧 **Watering**

The White Ghost Cactus thrives with infrequent but thorough watering:
– Water only when soil is fully dry.
– Use the “soak and dry” method—thoroughly wet the soil and let excess drain completely.
– In summer, water every 2–3 weeks depending on light and heat.
– In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less.

Avoid water pooling around the stem base, as this plant is highly sensitive to root rot. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

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#### ☀️ **Light & Temperature**

This euphorbia needs lots of bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant white coloring:
– Ideal placement: south- or west-facing windows indoors.
– Outdoors, it prefers full sun with some protection from harsh midday rays.
– Best temperature range: 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F).
– It does not tolerate frost—bring inside when temperatures fall below 10°C (50°F).
– If grown in extreme heat, offer partial shade to prevent sunburn.

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#### 🌱 **Soil & Potting**

Well-draining soil is essential:
– Use cactus or succulent potting mix.
– Add perlite or pumice to improve aeration.
– Avoid water-retentive soils like peat moss.
– Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
– Choose shallow pots with drainage holes to prevent soggy conditions.

Grafting is common with this variety. It’s often attached to a sturdier Euphorbia rootstock to help compensate for its lack of chlorophyll.

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#### 🌸 **Fertilizing**

Minimal feeding is required:
– Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring to early autumn).
– Use a diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer.
– Avoid fertilizing in winter while growth is dormant.
– Excess nutrients can encourage weak or leggy growth.

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#### 🐾 **Safety & Handling**

Like all euphorbias, the White Ghost Cactus contains a milky white sap that can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested:
– Wear gloves when handling or pruning.
– Keep away from children and pets.
– If damaged, let the wound dry and callous before watering.

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#### 🎨 **Styling & Display Tips**

Its ghostly white tones make it perfect for:
– Minimalist interiors and monochrome design schemes.
– High-contrast arrangements alongside dark green succulents.
– Desert-themed displays with gravel, driftwood, and ceramic pots.
– Feature placement on shelves, plant pedestals, or window sills.