Euphorbia lactea'Ghost' has an appearance closer to sculpture than to a living plant. Its angular, fan-shaped stems are a pale, waxy white with faint grey-green marbling, and the growth form is upright, architectural, and slow. Easy to care for and incredibly hard to source.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for White Ghost Cactus
I want real sun on my leaves and hold the water until my soil is properly dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About White Ghost Cactus
Euphorbia lactea 'Ghost' is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright direct light, watering only once the compost has dried right through, average household humidity and a minimum temperature of 10°C. Its sap can irritate skin and mouths, so keep it away from pets and small children.
Give this plant as much bright light as possible, but avoid harsh direct sun for long periods. A south-facing window can be too intense, especially in summer, so place the plant about 1 metre back from the glass or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Sudden or prolonged direct sun through glass can cause scorching. If natural light is limited, a grow light is a great way to keep growth compact and healthy.Read moreShow less
Give this plant as much bright light as possible, but avoid harsh direct sun for long periods. A south-facing window can be too intense, especially in summer, so place the plant about 1 metre back from the glass or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Sudden or prolonged direct sun through glass can cause scorching. If natural light is limited, a grow light is a great way to keep growth compact and healthy.
Water deeply until excess runs through the drainage holes, then allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. This plant stores water in its tissues, so it is highly drought-tolerant and far more sensitive to overwatering than underwatering. Always check the soil rather than watering on a schedule and when in doubt, wait a bit longer.Read moreShow less
Water deeply until excess runs through the drainage holes, then allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. This plant stores water in its tissues, so it is highly drought-tolerant and far more sensitive to overwatering than underwatering. Always check the soil rather than watering on a schedule and when in doubt, wait a bit longer.
Normal household humidity is perfect. Cacti and succulents are adapted to arid environments and don’t require additional humidity. In fact, extra humidity can increase the risk of rot and fungal issues.
Good airflow is much more important than moisture in the air, so aim to keep the plant in a well-ventilated space rather than trying to humidify it.Read moreShow less
Normal household humidity is perfect. Cacti and succulents are adapted to arid environments and don’t require additional humidity. In fact, extra humidity can increase the risk of rot and fungal issues.
Good airflow is much more important than moisture in the air, so aim to keep the plant in a well-ventilated space rather than trying to humidify it.
Temperature
10°
0°C25°C
Keep above 10°C · Happy at normal room temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures during the growing season, ideally between 18–30°C. They also benefit from a cooler winter rest period of around 10–15°C, which helps support healthy growth cycles and encourages flowering in many species.Read moreShow less
This plant prefers warm temperatures during the growing season, ideally between 18–30°C. They also benefit from a cooler winter rest period of around 10–15°C, which helps support healthy growth cycles and encourages flowering in many species.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Soil & Substrate
Our Desert Mix is a peat-free cacti and succulent substrate formulated for maximum drainage, well suited to Euphorbias and other desert-adapted species.
The sap can irritate skin and mouths. Wash your hands after handling and keep it away from pets and small children.
Origins
Euphorbia lactea is native to tropical Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. 'Ghost' is a cultivar selected for its extreme lack of chlorophyll. Because it produces very little of its own energy, it is often grafted onto a green rootstock to sustain it. Growth is slow, and direct sun is essential.
Variegation is one of the things that makes each plant truly one of a kind, and it's also one of the hardest things to guarantee. Every variegated plant is unique, and the amount, pattern, and intensity of variegation will vary from plant to plant, leaf to leaf, and even season to season.
The photos on our site are representative of the variety and we do our best to pick out the most representative plant of the bunch, but your plant may have more or less variegation than what's pictured. That's not a fault, it's the nature of how variegation works. It's influenced by light, genetics, and growing conditions, and it will continue to change as your plant grows in your home.
A few things worth knowing: bright, indirect light tends to encourage stronger variegation. Too little light and your plant may push out more green leaves to compensate. Too much direct sun and you risk scorching the paler sections, which have less chlorophyll to protect them. Finding the right balance for your space is part of the journey.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
No, this plant isn't pet safe. It can be harmful or cause irritation if chewed, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. If you think your pet has eaten any, ring your vet straight away.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Euphorbia are architectural, low-maintenance plants that need bright light and infrequent watering. This guide covers care for all major types, with an important note on their toxic sap.
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers consistently praised this stunning Euphorbia lactea 'Ghost' as "gorgeous" and "weird looking." The plant arrives in excellent condition with "top notch" packaging. Shoppers appreciate the healthy cuttings and full plants with "loads of branches." Some noted occasional transit damage. Customers love the unusual appearance and report it as a "show stopper" and collection favorite.
Looks stunning and has pride of place! Can't stop staring at it every time I walk past.
Awesome looking plant, the quality of the plant and packaging is top notch.
All my plant orders have been healthy. It's now a firm favourite.
5 stars: 31 (91%)
4 stars: 3 (9%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
C
Cecile B.
little stumpy is doing well
little stumpy is doing well and already has 1 little root. getting some direct sunlight every day. hope he grows big like the photo before I'm too old ha ha
S
Sarah B.
Superb
Really lovely cutting very healthy looking forward to it growing
A
Anne J.
Gorgeous
First time using this company and I won't hesitate to use again, my Ghost Cactus arrived in perfect condition due to the excellent packaging. Its very weird looking and unusual, just what I was looking for! The staff were very lovely and helpful, responding quickly when I emailed. My cactus and I say thank you!
L
Lucifer m.
“Ghost” Euphorbia
Omg WOW and another WOW. Don’t think I could have picked out such a great plant. Packed with shoots from the core stem. Looks stunning and has pride of place! Can’t stop staring at it every time I walk past. Health plant, looks stunning. Will definitely be looking at some more.
A
Andy c.
Fantastic addition to my jungle
awesome looking plant, as always the quality of the plant and packaging is top notch. my Ghost is now my Fav in my collection.
S
Stephen H.
Very happy customer
This is the most I’ve spent on a plant so far and I’m very pleased with my purchase!
As always, it arrived well packaged and in great condition. I can’t stop looking at it! I can’t wait to see it grows and becomes even more of a show stopper.
J
Joanna W.
Stunning, arrived perfectly packaged. I
Stunning, arrived perfectly packaged. I did loose a little piece on the arm, I dont think that it could have been packed any better and I will re propagate it so I am happy
B
Bijoukim J.
Beautiful white
Fast delivery service very impressed.
N
Neil A.
Fabulous as always
Great plant, good price,very safely packed and delivered. Couldn't ask for more. Thanks.
C
Cara Y.
Such a cool plant. Loads
Such a cool plant. Loads of branches and variegation. Well packaged as usual.
K
Kate W.
Arrived safe and looks great!
Arrived safe and looks great! Will have to see how well it grows over time, but so far so good!
L
Luke B.
Still generally very happy with
Still generally very happy with my order and how it was packed as usual. But unfortunately it did sustain damage in transit on this occasion.
B
Ben S.
perfect
perfect
C
Carrie-Anne M.
A gorgeous little cutting, really
A gorgeous little cutting, really healthy and growing roots
P
Paula W.
Euphoria wet stick
I bought the small wet stick . It’s in a little cactus mix under a grow light for 12-14 hours a day . A chap told me his took 2 years to grow an inch ! Hope I don’t wait that long :grinning_face_with_star_eyes:
D
Dawn Tindall
Excellent
Excellent plants and customer service.
F
Frances M.
As described it came as
As described it came as a cutting, I just need to see how it takes
B
Barry A.
A ghost euphorbia has been
A ghost euphorbia has been on my wish list for a while but I always seem to miss out when they’re available on various sites. All my plant orders that come from GT have been healthy and it’s become my favoured website when looking for inspiration or something specific. When I logged on and saw the ghost I was smitten, the large cutting was available so it had to be mine, 2 days later and it was sat in a pot in the desert mix I purchased as recommended. Fingers crossed it’ll become an enviable beauty. It’s now a firm favourite. Always recommend GT, thank you :pray:
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Lisa
Just as described. A lovely healthy cutting. Happy with my order from grow tropical as usual!
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Lisa
Just as described. A lovely healthy cutting. Happy with my order from grow tropical as usual!
J
John
Once again excellent in all departments
J
John
Once again excellent in all departments
E
Emily O.
Beautiful healthy Euphorbia, very well
Beautiful healthy Euphorbia, very well packed and came exactly when expected. I will definitely be buying from this company again, highly recommend.
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Stuart E.
Great little cutting!
Bought this cutting because I cant afford a full plant of Lactea Ghost at present. Good on House Of Kojo to offer cuttings. Hope mine grows! :)
Came quickly, packaged excellently.
Thanks H of K
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Laura G.
Stunning plant, arrived in beautiful
Stunning plant, arrived in beautiful healthy condition
Thank you for your lovely review! We hope to see you again soon.
Best wishes,
Sonia :herb:
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Nick H.
Very happy
Very happy
J
Jessica M.
Beautiful plant
A great plant in good condition. Well packaged and arrived safely.
P
Philip K.
Euphorbia lactea Ghost
This arrived promptly and was well packed. It is a long-lasting succulent provided it is not overwatered and is given a brightly-lit position not too close to the window which could cause scorching.
N
Nick
Great service as usual. Arrived on time and packaged really well :ok_hand:. Was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be (that isn't a bad thing :smiling_face_with_smiling_eyes_and_hand_covering_mouth:) stunning specimen :heart_eyes:
N
Nick
Great service as usual. Arrived on time and packaged really well 👌. Was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be (that isn't a bad thing 🤭) stunning specimen 😍
