The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is native to Central Africa. This plant looks a lot like a cactus—hence its nicknames: candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, and good luck cactus—but it is actually a succulent plant. It features triangular stems, with three distinct sides seamed with ridges. The ridges are peppered with thorns and teardrop-shaped leaves. This plant stays lush and green throughout its growing season, with new growth sprouting a light green hue. Like a cactus, the African milk tree is a long-lived plant that grows vigorously, approximately 1 to 2 feet a year up to 9 feet tall. It is often grown as a hedge due to its rapid and enthusiastic growth. When grown indoors, this plant will only grow to about half of its maximum height. Like all Euphorbia (spurges), the African milk tree is toxic to humans and pets.

Key Takeaways

• The African milk tree is a succulent plant native to Central Africa with unique triangular stems and ridged foliage.
• It can grow up to 9 feet tall outdoors but only half that size when grown indoors.
• The African milk tree is known by several nicknames like candelabra cactus and friendship cactus.
• This plant is toxic to humans and pets, so caution is required when handling it.
• With proper African milk tree plant care, including the right lighting, soil, and watering, this low-maintenance succulent can thrive for years.

Introduction to the African Milk Tree

The Euphorbia Trigona, or African Milk Tree, has an intriguing architecture and upright growth habit. It grows strong spines like a cactus, complemented by delicate, feather-like leaves. While it may appear very similar to a cactus, this plant is, in fact, a succulent and derives its name from the milky white sap it produces.

Origin and Botanical Details

The Euphorbia Trigona is a variety native to Central and West Africa, making it an excellent choice for an indoor house plant. They are commonly grown as hedges in Africa due to their non-invasive and rapid growth rate.

Unique Features and Nicknames

Despite its suggestive name, the African Milk Tree is not edible. This succulent contains a white, milky sap when cut or broken, so it’s important to wear gloves when handling the plant and keep it out of the reach of children and pets. The African Milk Tree has garnered several nicknames, including Candelabra Cactus (due to its branching, candle-like structure), Cathedral Cactus (its towering form resembles cathedral spires), and Friendship Cactus and Good Luck Cactus (often given as gifts symbolizing friendship and good fortune).

African Milk Tree Plant Care

The African milk tree is a true sun-worshipper, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. While it can tolerate partial shade and indirect light, it will flourish best in a bright, sunny location. Sunny, south-facing windows typically provide the ideal lighting conditions for this captivating succulent.

Soil and Potting Mix

The African milk tree prefers a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. You can create your own custom blend by combining lightweight cactus or succulent compost, coarse perlite, and some organic matter. Planting your African milk tree directly into a terracotta pot can also help manage moisture, as the porous material allows excess water to escape. If you don’t have access to terracotta, regular plastic pots with added drainage holes work just as well.

Watering and Fertilizing

The African milk bush is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers to dry out completely between waterings. They cannot tolerate wet or soggy soil and should never be left standing in water. Always allow the top layers of soil to dry before watering again, checking the soil moisture with your fingers. Increase watering during the summer growing season, checking the soil about once a week. In winter, only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Underwatering is far less harmful than overwatering. Feed your African milk tree every few weeks during the growing season using a cactus or succulent fertilizer. Apply the first feed in early spring around April, and the final feed in September before the onset of autumn. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant winter period.

Pruning and Propagation

The African milk tree grows very tall and has a comparatively small and shallow root system. For this reason, older plants may become top-heavy, or even topple over, making pruning a necessity. When pruning, always wear gloves and use a sharp and sterilized knife to remove stems. The cut you create will dry over and make a callus on its own. Take care to keep the plant balanced on both sides to avoid a lopsided load on one side that may pull the plant out of the ground.

When and How to Prune

Pruning the African milk tree is crucial to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming unstable. Regularly trim any overgrown or wayward stems to keep the plant well-balanced and prevent it from becoming top-heavy. Use clean, sharp pruners or a knife to make clean cuts, and be sure to dispose of the pruned material properly, as the sap can be irritating to skin.

Propagating from Cuttings

The African milk tree propagates easily from cuttings. Due to the plant’s toxicity, use proper protective gear when propagating—like heavy gloves—and wash your hands immediately if you get the milky sap on your skin. To propagate, gather a sharp knife or hand pruners, alcohol wipes, a 4-inch container with potting medium, and coarse gravel. Sterilize the blades, cut off one of the plant’s “arms” at its base, rinse the arm, let it callus over, and then plant the arm in the container. Place the pot in a warm area with sufficient light and a temperature between 65 and 75 F, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root within two months.

Winter Care and Cold Protection

African milk trees won’t survive the cold. They typically won’t flourish in temperatures below 50 degrees F, so it’s important to plant them in the ground only if your climate allows. Potted plants need to be brought indoors when temperatures drop. Place your succulent in a room with good air circulation to cut down the humidity and set it in a brightly lit window with indirect sunlight.

Pests, Diseases, and Common Issues

A healthy African milk tree is usually not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, watch for the cotton-like threads made by mealybugs. To remove them, mix a solution of water and a few drops of mild dish detergent, then wipe the bugs off with a cloth dipped in this solution. You can also use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol to remove bugs, or spray off the bugs with water from a garden hose.

Identifying and Treating Mealybugs

The presence of mealybugs on your African milk tree can be easily spotted by their cotton-like appearance. To effectively treat this issue, create a simple solution of water and mild dish soap, then use a cloth to wipe the affected areas. Alternatively, you can also employ rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or a direct spray of water to dislodge and remove the mealybugs.

Preventing Overwatering and Root Rot

Overwatering your African milk tree can cause fungal problems, such as cork disease, where the stems develop cork-like patches. Try saving the plant by cutting off the infected stems. Yellowing or browning of the succulent may also indicate root rot from overwatering. In this case, you will likely need to dispose of your plant entirely.

Addressing Yellowing Leaves

One of the most common problems with African milk tree is yellowing leaves. Even with the slightest bit of improper care, the leaves on your plant can change shade and fall off. The culprit is usually overwatering, underwatering, or cold temperatures. Preventing this issue is much easier than remedying it, so make sure your plant is located in a warm area, and water it just enough so that the soil dries out in between waterings, but is not consistently dry.

Varieties and Growth Habits

While the

African milk tree

is renowned for its distinct appearance, there is one unique variety that stands out – the ‘Royal Red’.

Euphorbia trigona f. rubra, commonly referred to as the ‘Royal Red’, boasts striking maroon or vibrant red leaves that add a bold, eye-catching element to any space.

The ‘Royal Red’ Variety

The ‘Royal Red’ variety of the African milk tree is a captivating succulent with its rich, crimson-hued foliage. This variant not only adds a dramatic touch to indoor and outdoor settings, but it also thrives under similar care requirements as the original Euphorbia trigona species.

Growth Rate and Maximum Height

Like a true cactus, the African milk tree is a long-lived plant that grows vigorously, reaching approximately 1 to 2 feet in height annually, with a maximum potential of up to 9 feet tall. However, when cultivated indoors, this resilient succulent will generally only reach about half of its maximum outdoor size.

Conclusion

The African milk tree, also known as the Euphorbia trigona, is a fascinating and low-maintenance succulent that can make a striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space. With its unique appearance, rapid growth, and relative ease of care, this plant is a wonderful choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

By understanding the specific lighting, soil, watering, and care requirements of the African milk tree, you can ensure your plant thrives for years to come. Whether you opt for the standard green variety or the vibrant ‘Royal Red’ cultivar, this captivating succulent is sure to bring a touch of natural beauty and good fortune to your living space.

So why not consider adding an African milk tree to your collection and embark on a rewarding journey of plant parenthood? With the right knowledge and attention, this resilient and visually striking plant will reward you with its lush, architectural foliage and a touch of exotic charm.