How to grow and care for an African milk tree
All you need to know about growing and caring for an African milk tree, in our Grow Guide.
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| Plant | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Prune | yes | yes | ||||||||||
| At Its Best | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Plant Size: Height: 200 Spread: 60 |
African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a cactus-like succulent with an upright ridged stem that develops reddish spines. It originates from Central Africa and is also known as cathedral cactus, marble column and Abyssinian euphorbia. This slow-growing, architectural house plant can grow to around 2m in height. Euphorbia trigona is poisonous to humans and pets, and its sap is an eye and skin irritant.
How to grow African milk tree
Grow African milk tree in a warm room in bright indirect light. Water only when the soil has dried out to avoid overwatering.
Where to grow Euphorbia trigona
Euphorbia trigona grows best in temperatures of 15-27°C and is likely to suffer in cold draughts. Put it in bright indirect light in a room with dry air. It can take direct sunlight, but make sure it doesn’t scorch in the midday sun.
How to plant African milk tree
You should be able to leave your plant in its pot when it arrives and simply place it in a decorative outer pot. When your African milk tree needs repotting, choose a container that is heavy enough to support the plant (they can get top-heavy) and use peat-free compost – a free-draining mix for succulents or cacti is ideal.
How to care for African milk tree
Euphorbia trigona is easy to grow and fairly drought-tolerant, though it does require regular watering. The frequency of watering depends factors such as plant size and room temperature. In general, water your African milk tree as soon as the compost has dried out.
The leaves are short-lived, but if many leaves drop – especially in summer – check that your plant isn’t suffering from a lack of water. Over time, new leaves will replace old ones. Prune in early spring, if necessary, to reduce your plant’s size. Apply a half-strength liquid fertiliser or specialist feed once a month in the growing season (spring and summer).
How to propagate Euphorbia trigona
Propagate in late spring or early summer by taking cuttings. Use offshoot arms as cuttings and treat cut areas with charcoal or rinse with water to stop the sap bleeding. Leave cuttings for a few days to callus over, then place in compost and keep barely moist. They should root in around two months. Remember to use skin and eye protection when working with Euphorbia trigona to avoid contact with its toxic, irritant sap.
Pests and diseases
Euphorbia trigona is generally problem-free, but can attract mealybugs.
Buying advice
- Check that you have the right spot in your home for an African milk tree. It does best in bright indirect light with dry air
- Ensure your African milk tree is healthy, with an undamaged stem and foliage, and no signs of pests
Where to buy Euphorbia trigona
Varieties of African milk tree to grow
Euphorbia trigona: This is the green form, sometimes listed as African milk tree 'Green'.
Euphorbia trigona f. rubra: The commonly-sold variety is the red-leaved African milk tree, which has a magenta red flush to its stem and leaves. It is sometimes referred to as 'Royal Red'.
