Euphorbia flanaganii

Medusa's Head

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Medusa's HeadMedusa Plant

Context

nativeRegion

KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

usdaZones

9–11

companionPlants

Lithops, Haworthia, Aloe, Crassula

culturalUses

Popular as a novelty succulent in collections; no significant traditional uses.

Care

LightBright, direct sunlight; tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun.

WateringAllow soil to dry out completely between waterings; drought tolerant; avoid overwatering.

SoilWell-draining, gritty cactus or succulent mix; prefers sandy soils.

FertilizerFeed lightly with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the active growing season (spring and summer).

HumidityPrefers low humidity; well-suited for dry environments.

TemperatureThrives in warm temperatures (21–30°C / 70–86°F); protect from frost (not below 5°C / 41°F).

HabitSucculent with a sprawling, medusoid (snakelike) growth form; forms low, spreading clumps.

Mature SizeTypically reaches 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and up to 30 cm (12 in) wide.

Growth RateModerate growth rate under optimal conditions.

BloomingProduces small, yellowish-green cyathia (flowers) mainly in spring and summer.

DormancyMay experience a semi-dormant period in winter with reduced growth.

MethodsStem cuttings, Offsets, Seeds (rare)

DifficultyEasy to moderate

Best SeasonSpring to early summer

PruningMinimal; remove old or damaged stems to encourage new growth.

RepottingRepot every 2–3 years or when clumps outgrow the container.

Pests & DiseasesRarely troubled but may attract mealybugs or root rot if overwatered.

ToxicityToxic; milky sap can cause skin irritation and is harmful if ingested.

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