The Candelabra Chocolate Drop is a unique succulent known for its striking form and coloration. Its architectural branching structure and distinctive hues make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts, adding a captivating element to any collection.
Understanding Candelabra Chocolate Drop
The Candelabra Chocolate Drop is a cultivar known as Euphorbia ingens ‘Chocolate Drop’, belonging to the diverse Euphorbia genus. This succulent tree is characterized by its segmented, deep green branches that often develop a multi-branched, candelabra-like structure. A defining feature is the presence of cocoa-brown spine shields along the margins of its stems, which are pinkish-rose when new and deepen to chocolate brown with age.
In its natural habitat in Southern Africa, this plant can grow into a large tree, reaching heights of up to 35 feet outdoors. Indoors, its growth is restricted, remaining a manageable size for containers. Often mistaken for a cactus due to its drought tolerance, it is a succulent from the spurge family. It produces small, greenish-yellow flowers along the ridges of its topmost segments, often in autumn and winter.
Caring for Candelabra Chocolate Drop
Light
Candelabra Chocolate Drop thrives in bright light, ideally preferring full sun exposure for several hours daily. Indoors, a south or west-facing window provides the necessary intensity. Adequate light encourages compact growth and vibrant coloration. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy.
Watering
This succulent prefers its soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot. During its active growing period in late spring and summer, water more frequently, possibly once a week or every two weeks. In cooler winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to about once a month or less.
Soil and Potting
The Candelabra Chocolate Drop requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogged roots. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix provides the necessary aeration and drainage. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than its current pot to avoid excessive moisture retention. Terracotta or clay pots are beneficial as they allow for better evaporation, helping the soil dry out more quickly.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm environments and thrives in dry conditions, reflecting its native African origins. Ideal temperatures generally range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It demonstrates good heat tolerance and can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11. Protecting the plant from cold temperatures and frost is important, as it is sensitive to freezing conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Candelabra Chocolate Drop supports its growth during the active season. Apply a cactus-specific fertilizer, diluted to half strength, during its growing period in spring and summer. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce fertilization to once per month or cease it entirely.
Pruning
Pruning the Candelabra Chocolate Drop can help maintain its desired shape and size or remove damaged branches. When pruning, exercise caution due to the milky white sap the plant produces. This latex sap can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and it is toxic if ingested. Wearing gloves and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact is advised to prevent irritation.
Propagating Candelabra Chocolate Drop
Propagating Candelabra Chocolate Drop is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem segment and use a sharp, sterile knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut. Allow the cut end to callus over for several days or up to a week before planting; this prevents rot. Once callused, plant it in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can then be watered sparingly.
Common Issues and Solutions
Loss of the distinctive chocolate coloration often indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a location with more direct sun exposure to restore its vibrant coloring, ensuring it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Soft or mushy stems typically signal overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If these symptoms appear, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries completely between applications. Improve drainage by using a suitable succulent potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Stunted growth might indicate a need for repotting into a slightly larger container if roots are congested. Candelabra Chocolate Drop is notably resistant to pests, partly due to its toxic sap, making infestations less common.