Native to the coastal regions of South Africa, Euphorbia horrida inhabits limestone rocky slopes. It is a slow-growing polycarpic species featuring rigid spines along the ribs of its cylindrical stems, distinguishing it from other Euphorbia species. Cylindrical stems 15-30 cm tall with 5-7 ribs, acuminate spines up to 3 cm, dark green with grayish hues, lighter shades during winter.
Full direct sunlight exposure; reduced watering from October to March; substrate with at least 70% inorganic material; minimum temperature 5 °C; prevent waterlogging to avoid root rot.