This species follows a growth cycle heavily influenced by the tropical dry forest climate of Madagascar. It is most active during the warm, humid months of spring and summer, which is when it produces its small, inconspicuous cyathia (flowers) surrounded by greenish-yellow bracts. As a drought-deciduous plant, it will often drop its leaves and enter a dormant state during the cool, dry winter months or during periods of extreme water stress as a survival mechanism to protect its succulent stems. In cultivation, this Euphorbia is prized by collectors of Malagasy flora for its delicate, architectural form. It requires a very free-draining, mineral-dominant substrate to prevent root rot, making a mix of 80% pumice and 20% organic matter ideal for its needs. While it is relatively hardy, it is quite sensitive to cold, wet feet; during its winter dormancy, it should be kept almost entirely dry. To maintain its compact growth habit and encourage branching, it needs very bright, indirect light or filtered sun. Caution should always be exercised when handling the plant, as it contains the caustic white latex sap characteristic of the genus, which can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Yellow flowers