Pedilanthus macrocarpus

Euphorbia lomelii

Slipper Plant, Lady's Slipper, Candelilla, Gallito

Euphorbiaceae

The Sonoran desert of northwestern Mexico

5-gallon

3-5'

3-5'

20 to 25°F, -6.7 to -3.9°C

Extreme heat tolerance.

Full sun to very light shade and can take reflected light as well.

Very drought tolerant but should get regular water during hot summers.

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A nice vertical plant of medium height for cactus, succulent and xeriscape gardens. It is also an impressive plant in an attractive container or when used as a striking vertical accent along a wall. This plant is deer resistant.

P. macrocarpus can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings.

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Pedilanthus macrocarpus is an unusual succulent with thick stems and tiny, inconspicuous leaves (somewhat similar to a single long-stemmed Euphorbia tirucalli). It is somewhat smaller than Pedilanthus bractaceous with less showy flowers and has no leaves to detract from its vertical form. It slowly spreads into a 3'-5' clump with new stems branching off old ones just below the soil level. In full sun the stems are largely vertical but in shade they may arch or bend under their own weight. The stems are coated in a vegetable wax called Candelilla –the same coating obtained from a similar plant has been used in cosmetics, chewing gum, polishes, food coatings and dyes. It provides the plant with extra drought tolerance and protection from the elements. From summer to fall the Pedlianthus macrocarpus has orange-red slipper-shaped flowers called cyathia. Hummingbirds are fans of the nectar filled blooms. When planted in full desert sun the stems may turn yellow. Most plants in the Euphorbiaceae family have sap which can irritate some people's skin. Warning: do not get sap in eyes.