Indian corn cob comes from South Africa, where the combination of intense sun, mineral soils, and pronounced dry seasons shaped its compact, columnar form. The chalky-green, ribbed stems are thick and club-like, scattered with blunt toothpick-like spines, and in late winter to early summer small clusters of orange-to-pink flowers appear at the tips. Given adequate light and space, plants branch from the base and can eventually reach a foot or more in height.

As a houseplant it thrives on neglect more than attention: water once a week in summer, once a month in winter, and always let the soil dry completely between waterings. A container with excellent drainage and a cactus-appropriate potting mix is essential. During summer it can move outdoors, but it needs shelter from strong winds to prevent stem scarring that will remain permanent. The white sap is toxic and irritating to skin and eyes; gloves should be worn when repotting or propagating by stem cuttings.