Euphorbia Obesa – Baseball Plant

Morphological Characteristics

Euphorbia obesa is a unique, highly recognizable succulent known for its nearly spherical shape and ribbed, patterned body that resembles a green-striped baseball. The plant has a chalky to dark green coloration, often with marbling or subtle reddish markings when stressed by sun or drought.

It is stem-succulent and leafless, with 8–10 vertical ridges running from top to base. It can reach 6–15 cm (2.5–6 inches) in diameter when mature. This species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Its small, yellowish cyathia appear at the apex in summer and are modest but ornamental.

Unlike cacti, Euphorbia obesa exudes a milky latex sap when damaged, which is toxic and should be handled with care.

Growth Habits

This is a slow-growing, non-branching succulent that remains solitary through much of its life. It grows upright at first but may elongate into a slightly cylindrical form with age. Highly suited to pot cultivation, Euphorbia obesa thrives in bright, dry conditions and is extremely drought tolerant.

Maintenance Points

• Lighting: Prefers full sun to bright filtered light. Indoors, use a south-facing window or grow light.

• Watering: Water deeply but only when soil is dry. Reduce or stop watering in winter. Overwatering is a common cause of rot.

• Soil: Needs fast-draining soil. Use cactus mix with added pumice or coarse sand.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 18–30°C (65–86°F). Not frost-hardy; protect from cold below 5°C (41°F).

• Fertilization: Fertilize with diluted succulent fertilizer once per month during the growing season. Skip in winter.

• Handling: Wear gloves if cutting or repotting—latex sap is toxic and can irritate skin and eyes.

• Pest Resistance: Generally pest-free. May attract mealybugs in poor airflow conditions.

Display & Use

Euphorbia obesa is a collector’s favorite due to its symmetry and compact form. It excels in:

• Individual display pots or shallow bonsai-style trays

• Succulent centerpieces with lithops, haworthias, or other geometric plants

• Educational collections for showcasing convergent evolution (resembles cacti but is unrelated)

Perfect for indoor shelves, sunny windowsills, or greenhouses where its unique shape becomes a conversation piece.