African Milk Tree

Euphorbia trigona,Cathedral Cactus, Abyssinian Euphorbia, Good Luck Plant

The African Milk Tree is not a true cactus but a succulent spurge native to Central Africa. It is easily recognizable by its upright, three- to four-sided, segmented green stems that branch out, giving it a candelabra or cathedral-like appearance. Small, spoon-shaped leaves grow along the ridges of the stems, though these leaves are often shed when stressed or during dry periods. While the plant can produce small, inconspicuous flowers, they are rarely seen indoors. Some common varieties include the basic green form and the 'Rubra' or 'Red' varieties.

Care Guide

LIGHT

  • Requires bright light to maintain a healthy, compact shape.
  • Prefers at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. A South or West-facing window is ideal.
  • In insufficient light, the new growth will be thin and weak, and the plant may drop its leaves.

WATER

  • As a succulent, it is very drought-tolerant and highly susceptible to overwatering.
  • Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out down to the bottom of the pot.
  • Reduce watering significantly during the winter when the plant is dormant.
  • Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

SOIL

  • Needs an extremely fast-draining, gritty soil mix.
  • Use a cacti and succulent mix blended with extra pumice or perlite to enhance drainage.
  • Avoid heavy potting soils that retain too much moisture.

GROWTH HABIT

  • Ideal conditions: High light, warm temperatures (70-85F), and excellent air circulation.
  • Growth rate & size: Growth rate is moderate to fast under ideal conditions. It typically grows upright and can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet indoors, though it is usually much smaller in containers.

PROPAGATING

  • Propagated easily from stem cuttings.
  • When taking a cutting, dip the cut end immediately into lukewarm water to stop the flow of milky sap (latex).
  • Allow the cut end to callus (dry and heal) for several days before planting in dry succulent soil.

PRUNING

  • Minimal pruning is needed, usually just to remove damaged stems or to manage height.
  • Prune by cutting off an entire branch at a joint using a clean knife.
  • Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when pruning due to the toxic sap.

REPOTING

  • Repot when the plant becomes root-bound or when the container becomes unstable due to the plant's height (typically every 2-3 years).
  • Repot in spring or early summer using a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
  • Handle with care when repotting; wear gloves to protect yourself from the sap and the spines.

FERTILIZING

  • Fertilize sparingly. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, lanky growth.
  • Feed once or twice during the spring and summer growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
  • Do not fertilize in winter.

FLOWERING

  • Flowers are generally inconspicuous and rarely produced on indoor plants.
  • They appear as small yellow-green structures called cyathia along the ridges of the stems.
  • No special care is required to encourage flowering indoors.

TOXICITY

  • The plant produces a milky white sap (latex) that is poisonous if ingested and is a severe skin and eye irritant.
  • Always wear gloves when handling the plant, especially when pruning or taking cuttings.

PRO TIPS

  • If the plant starts leaning, rotate the pot regularly to ensure all sides receive even light.
  • Ensure the plant is placed away from pets and small children due to the toxic sap and sharp edges.
  • A terracotta or clay pot will help the soil dry out faster, which is beneficial for this succulent.

Variability in Care

Most varieties of this plant follow the standard care above, but some require adjustments.

African Milk Tree 'Rubra'

Examples: Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', Euphorbia trigona 'Red'

  • Features stems that develop a reddish or purple hue, particularly on the edges and new growth.
  • Requires extremely bright light to maintain the vibrant red coloration.
  • The red color may fade to a darker green in low light conditions.

Euphorbia lactea (Coral Cactus)

Examples: Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' (crested form), Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'

  • Often sold as a grafted plant, with the wavy, crested fan top on a different Euphorbia rootstock.
  • The crested top can be more sensitive to moisture and prone to rot if overwatered.
  • Requires protection from direct, intense midday sun to prevent the delicate crested tissue from scorching.

True Cactus Look-Alikes (Euphorbia ingens, etc.)

Examples: Euphorbia ingens, Euphorbia acruensis

  • Often resemble true columnar cacti but are still members of the spurge family.
  • These are usually very large, fast-growing species suitable for large spaces or outdoor growing in warm climates.
  • They have higher light and heat requirements than the E. trigona varieties.

Plants for Sale

  • None available. Check back later!