Expert: Greg Simpson - 11/21/2006

Question
i have a euphorbia cactus of about 6 feet tall and it atarted to bend and now it also started to dry up and turn black it had been moved to the foyer and maybe it wasnt getting enough light so i just moved it to the livingroom where it should get more light. now my question is can i cut the top part which looks dead of or would that just make it worse.

Answer
Dear Monica,

The black part is rotted. Removing it may save the rest of the plant. But be very careful when you cut the plant, as Euphorbia's have a milky sap inside that is toxic. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection and if you get any of it on you, immediately wash it off. Depending on the variety of the Euphorbia, the sap can range from an irritant to deadly.

Sincerely,

Greg