The Abyssinian euphorbia can be grown from either seeds or stem cuttings. However, although it can spring up successfully from seeds, its seeds are rarely commercially available. This is because they are difficult to germinate and stay viable only for a short period of time. As a result, the Abyssinian euphorbia tree is most commonly propagated from stem cuttings.
When propagating from cuttings, it is best to do it in spring or early summer. Take a cutting of the plant, and wash its cut to remove the latex. Place the cutting in a warm, bright and slightly humid spot, to increase the building of new roots. Let it dry for 1 or 2 weeks. Then stuff it in a dry, loose, and well draining soil. Plant the cuttings when the rain is about to stop. It does not prefer wet conditions during establishment.
In order to nurse an Abyssinian spurge cutting in a pot, before planting it, it is necessary to leave the cutting to dry for a few days. This will prevent rot from developing, and enables proper formation of the callus tissue. Plant it in a well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal. Keep it in a warm, bright location until it establishes roots. When it develops a root system, it is ready to be transplanted.
In a variable climatic zone, when propagating from seeds, they should be sown at 15-18°C in early spring.
Cultivation
The Abyssinian spurge is an easy species to raise. It prefers warm temperatures. It can be cultivated in either full sun or in semi-shade. But it thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It tolerates low humidity and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for dry climates. It is also a moderately fast grower. It becomes a large landscape masterpiece in 3 to 5 years.
The Abyssinian euphorbia tree is generally suited for any well drained soil. Soil that is full of moisture and prone to water retention tends to cause root rot. In particular, the Abyssinian spurge is fitted to sandy and loamy soils. It can be cultivated in mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It has no problem with dry soil, and tolerates drought. When young, it is also happy growing indoors, and easily reaches the ceiling.
When growing in a pot, an Abyssinian spurge should be given an airy growing medium that mainly consists of non-organic material such as clay, pumice, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. It likes a small pot. If the plant becomes very red, this is a sign that the roots have not developed properly, so repot the plant in a fresh growing medium. Repot the plant every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, in very late winter or early spring. Use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes. Handle the plant carefully to avoid damaging its roots and wear gloves to protect yourself from its toxic sap.
The Abyssinian euphorbia should be regularly watered during its active growing season, which is from September to March in its native habitat. However, maintaining a low watering frequency due to its drought-tolerant nature is crucial. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around its roots. In winter it should be kept almost completely dry.
In summer the Abyssinian spurge can benefit from a fertilizer diet. Preferably use a cacti and succulents fertilizer with high potassium content including all micronutrients and trace elements or slow release fertilizer. Fertilize Euphorbia abyssinica sparingly. Typically, a fertilizer should be applied once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the dormancy period.
Warning!
Like most Euphorbias, the sap of Abyssinian euphorbia is caustic and toxic. Skin contact may cause irritation and blistering. Ingesting the sap of Abyssinian spurge can cause purging or more severe problems. If it contacts the eyes it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness. Therefore, care is needed when handling the plant. When working with the plant, using gloves is highly recommended.
If contact is made with the white sap of Abyssinian euphorbia, take care to not touch face or eyes before washing hands with soap and water.
References
Bein, E. and others (1996) Useful Trees and Shrubs in Eritrea: Identification, Propagation and Management for Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Regional Soil Conservation Unit: Nairobi.
Bekele-Tesemma, Azene (2007) Useful Trees of Ethiopia: Identification, Propagation and Management in 17 Agroecological Zones. RELMA in ICRAF Project: Nairobi.
EarthOne. How To Grow Euphorbia abyssinica. Retrieved from https://earthone.io/plant/euphorbia%20abyssinica?srsltid=AfmBOop5q_kv9MqJ6plOlrZFFDvN_XXuMdCHr9ELK8Iu3I0TFFiKEswn
Fern, Ken (2025) Euphorbia abyssinica J.F.Gmel. Useful Tropical Plants. Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2025-09-06. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Euphorbia+abyssinica
The Encyclopedia of Living forms. “Euphorbia abyssinica” Text available under a CC-BY-SA Creative Commons Attribution License. www.llifle.com 14 Nov. 2005. 06 Sep 2025. Retrieved from https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Euphorbiaceae/1958/Euphorbia_abyssinica
PictureThis. How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia abyssinica. Retrieved from https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Euphorbia_abyssinica.html
Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA). Euphorbia abyssinica. Retrieved from https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Euphorbia%20abyssinica
Royal Horticultural Society (2025) Euphorbia abyssinica – Abyssinian spurge. RHS Gardening. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7035/euphorbia-abyssinica/details
World of Succulents. Euphorbia abyssinica (Desert Candle). Retrieved from https://worldofsucculents.com/euphorbia-abyssinica-desert-candle/#google_vignette