Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’, commonly known as the Ghost Cactus, is a striking succulent admired for its pale, almost white stems and bold, sculptural shape. Despite its name, this plant is not a true cactus but belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant’s ghostly color comes from its lack of chlorophyll, which limits its ability to photosynthesize. Because of this, the Ghost Cactus is more sensitive to its environment than many other succulents. Most plants are grafted onto a healthy green Euphorbia rootstock, which helps support growth and improves long-term survival.
Native to tropical regions of Asia, Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ grows best in warm temperatures, bright indirect light, and well-draining soil. Proper care includes controlled watering, stable light exposure, and protecting the grafted area of the plant. With the right conditions, this slow-growing succulent can live for many years and become a unique focal point in any indoor or outdoor plant collection.
Lighting
Lighting is the most important factor for keeping Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ healthy and attractive over time. Because its pale white and light gray stems contain very little chlorophyll, the plant cannot produce enough energy on its own. Instead, it depends heavily on the green Euphorbia rootstock below, which provides the energy needed to support the ghostly growth above. Proper lighting helps the rootstock photosynthesize efficiently, keeping the entire plant strong and stable.
Bright, indirect light is ideal. This can be provided by placing the plant near an east-facing window, a lightly shaded south-facing window, or under grow lights that offer steady light without too much heat. While the plant can handle a small amount of gentle morning sun, strong or prolonged direct sunlight, especially at midday, can damage the delicate tissues. Sunburn often appears as yellow, tan, or brown spots that harden over time. Once this damage happens, it cannot be reversed and will permanently affect the plant’s appearance.
Low light can be just as harmful. When light levels are too low, the rootstock weakens and struggles to support the grafted top. This can lead to slow growth, higher risk of rot, pest problems, or even failure at the graft point. Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ is also sensitive to sudden changes in light. If you move the plant, do so gradually to help it adjust. Sudden exposure to stronger light can cause stress and damage the plant’s tissues.
Watering
Water management is one of the most challenging aspects of caring for Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’, largely due to its sensitivity to excess moisture. Like many succulents, it prefers a “soak and dry” approach, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry almost completely before the next watering. This cycle supports healthy root function while minimizing the risk of fungal or bacterial growth.
The graft point is especially vulnerable to water damage. If moisture collects around this area, the tissues can break down quickly, sometimes causing the top part of the plant to collapse without warning. To avoid this, always water directly into the soil, not over the stems. Using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes is essential and should never be skipped.
Overwatering is the most common cause of problems. Early signs include soft or mushy areas at the base, dark spots, or translucent patches near the graft. Underwatering is usually less harmful. When slightly dehydrated, the stems may wrinkle or shrink a bit, but the plant typically recovers once watering resumes. Water needs also change with the seasons, less water is required during cooler months or slower growth periods. Paying close attention to the plant and keeping a consistent routine is far more effective than following a strict watering schedule.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ prefers warm, tropical conditions and grows best in a stable temperature range. It is not tolerant of cold, and low temperatures can interfere with normal cell function. This may lead to color changes, soft or damaged tissue, or permanent structural harm. Even short exposure to cold drafts or sudden drops in nighttime temperature can stress the plant and weaken it over time.
Humidity needs for this plant are fairly low, and normal indoor humidity is usually enough. High humidity, especially when paired with poor air circulation, can increase the risk of fungal or bacterial problems around the graft area. Providing good airflow helps keep the plant dry and reduces the chance of disease. For Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’, maintaining a stable environment is far more important than reaching a specific humidity level.
Soil and Fertilizer
Soil choice is essential for preventing root and graft problems in Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’. This plant needs a fast-draining, airy soil mix that allows water to pass through quickly. Heavy soils rich in organic matter tend to hold moisture for too long, greatly increasing the risk of root rot.
Gritty, mineral-based mixes designed for succulents or cacti work best. These usually contain materials like pumice, perlite, coarse sand, or crushed lava rock. Such ingredients improve drainage while holding only a small amount of moisture. The goal is to give the roots plenty of air and space, so they stay healthy and strong.
Fertilizing should be done sparingly and with care. During the active growing season, a diluted, balanced fertilizer can help support the green rootstock without pushing the plant to grow too fast. Too much fertilizer often causes soft, weak tissue that is more likely to rot. When the plant’s growth slows or stops, fertilizing should be stopped completely to avoid stressing the plant.
Toxicity
Euphorbia lactea produces a milky latex sap that is highly toxic and irritating. Contact with the sap can cause skin inflammation, rashes, or blistering, while exposure to the eyes may result in severe pain or injury. Ingestion of plant material can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other systemic reactions.
Handling the plant requires caution, particularly during pruning, repotting, or propagation. Protective gloves are strongly recommended, and tools should be cleaned thoroughly after use. Because of its toxic nature, Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ should be kept out of reach of pets and children. Awareness and preventative measures are essential for safe cultivation.
EXTRA CARES
Potting and Repotting
Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ grows best when slightly root-bound. Repotting too often can disturb the roots and put stress on the graft point, which may weaken the plant over time. When choosing a pot, make sure it has good drainage and enough weight to keep the plant stable and prevent it from tipping over.
Repotting should only be done when the plant has clearly outgrown its current pot or when the soil no longer drains properly. During repotting, the grafted stem should be supported carefully to avoid bending or pressure at the graft union. Even small injuries in this area can cause the graft to fail.
After repotting, allow the plant to rest for several days before watering. This waiting period gives the roots time to recover and helps reduce the risk of rot. Although often overlooked, this step is essential for a smooth and successful repotting process.
Propagation
Propagating Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ is difficult because the plant lacks chlorophyll. Cuttings taken from the white or pale parts cannot survive on their own and must be grafted onto a healthy green Euphorbia rootstock. This process requires very precise alignment so water and nutrients can move properly between the two plants. When cut, the plant releases a toxic milky sap that must be handled with care.
After cutting, the pieces need time to dry and form a callus before grafting. Clean tools and a sterile workspace are essential to reduce the risk of infection. Even with proper technique, success is not guaranteed, which makes propagation challenging for beginners.
Because of these difficulties, most growers choose to purchase already grafted plants instead of propagating them at home. Professionally grafted specimens are more reliable and offer better long-term stability, making them a safer option for collectors and plant enthusiasts.
Pruning
Pruning is rarely required and should be limited to removing damaged, diseased, or rotting sections. Any pruning activity must be performed with sterilized tools and protective equipment due to the plant’s toxic sap. Excessive pruning places unnecessary stress on the plant and increases the risk of infection or graft failure.
Allowing Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ to maintain its natural growth habit supports long-term health and structural balance. When pruning is necessary, careful handling minimizes sap exposure and promotes clean healing.
Common Problems
Most problems with Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ are caused by environmental stress. Overwatering and poor drainage are common issues and often lead to root rot or stem collapse. Too much direct sunlight can cause permanent sunburn. These problems usually develop slowly, so early detection is key to preventing serious damage.
Graft failure is another potential issue. It can occur due to physical damage, inconsistent care, or long-term stress. Warning signs include separation at the graft point, color changes, or sudden wilting of the upper growth. Unfortunately, once the graft fails, the plant is unlikely to recover.
Pests such as mealybugs may appear, especially on stressed plants. They are most often found around the graft area or on the rootstock. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early before they spread. Overall, the best way to keep Euphorbia lactea ‘Ghost’ healthy is to maintain stable growing conditions, avoid extremes, and understand the plant’s unique needs.
