African Milk Tree Care Guide

The African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a striking, low-maintenance succulent with tall, spiky, cactus-like stems and small, delicate leaves.

Despite its resemblance to a cactus, it’s actually a succulent that thrives in bright light and dry conditions.

With proper care, this slow-growing plant can reach up to 6-8 feet indoors, making it a stunning addition to any plant collection.

🌟 Quick Look

• 🌞 Lighting Needs: Bright, indirect light to full sun
• 💧 Watering Needs: Water only when soil is completely dry (every 1-2 weeks)
• 📏 Mature Size: Up to 6-8 feet tall indoors
• 🌱 How to Propagate: Stem cuttings
• 🚫 Toxic/Non-toxic: Toxic to pets and humans (sap causes irritation)
• 🌸 Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors

🏡 African Milk Tree Care

🌞 Lighting Needs

• Thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate full sun.
• Needs at least 4 hours of bright light daily to grow properly.
• If keeping it in direct sun, monitor for signs of sunburn (browning or dry patches).

💡 Tip: If your plant is leaning toward one side, rotate it every few weeks to ensure even growth.

💧 Watering Needs

• Water only when the soil is completely dry (typically every 1-2 weeks in summer, less in winter).
• Use the soak and dry method—water deeply and allow excess water to drain out.
• Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially if the pot lacks drainage.

🚫 Do not mist—high humidity can lead to fungal issues.

💡 Tip: Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
• Cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C)—bring it indoors during cold weather.
• Enjoys dry air—no need for misting or extra humidity.

🪴 Soil & Potting

• Use a well-draining, sandy soil mix, such as:
  • Cactus/succulent mix or
  • A blend of potting soil + sand/perlite for better drainage.
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

🌿 Fertilization

• Feed once a month in spring and summer with a cactus or succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Do not fertilize in fall and winter, when growth slows down.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Trim dead or damaged stems with gloves and caution (the sap is toxic and can irritate skin).
• Wipe dust off the stems with a dry cloth to help with photosynthesis.
• If your plant leans too much, stake it or move it to a brighter location for stronger growth.

🌱 Propagation

African Milk Trees are easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

How to propagate:

1. Wear gloves and use a clean knife to cut a healthy stem.
2. Let the cutting dry for 1-2 days to allow the sap to seal.
3. Plant it 1-4 inches deep in dry succulent soil.
4. Wait a week before watering to avoid rot.
5. New roots should develop in a few weeks!

🚫 Avoid touching the sap—it can cause irritation!

🚫 Is African Milk Tree Toxic?

Yes! The white, milky sap is toxic to humans and pets. It can cause skin irritation and stomach issues if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

🛠 Troubleshooting & Common Problems

🍂 Why are the leaves falling off?

• Cause: Normal shedding, or not enough light.
• Solution: Move to a brighter spot to encourage new leaf growth.

🍃 Why is my African Milk Tree turning yellow?

• Cause: Overwatering.
• Solution: Let the soil dry completely before watering again.

🌱 Why is my African Milk Tree leaning?

• Cause: Insufficient light or uneven growth.
• Solution: Rotate it regularly and ensure it’s getting enough sunlight.

🐛 Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Scale Insects)

• Solution: Wipe stems with a damp cloth, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

🌿 Final Thoughts

The African Milk Tree is a fantastic, easy-care succulent that brings a bold, architectural look to any home. As long as you provide bright light, avoid overwatering, and handle with care, this plant will thrive for years to come!

Remember: Wear gloves when handling, keep it in a well-draining pot, and let the soil dry completely before watering.