Red Cactus Plant Care

Red Cactus (Erythrococca integrifolia) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Erythrococca genus. Red Cactus is native to South Africa. Red Cactus is also known as Coral Plant.

Red Cactus displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Red Cactus produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Cactus every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Cactus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red Cactus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Erythrococca integrifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Red Cactus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Red Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Cactus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Cactus is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Cactus can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Red Cactus while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Red Cactus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to erythrococca columnaris plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Red Cactus is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Red Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.