African Milk Tree Care

If you live in a region that experiences below freezing temperatures, you'll need to bring your African milk tree indoors during the winter. For those living in warm enough climates, Euphorbia trigona will happily grow outdoors where it can get lots of direct sun.

Can African Milk Tree survive winter?

African milk trees won't survive the cold. They typically won't flourish in temperatures below 50 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.

Why is my African Milk Tree dying?

A dying African Milk Tree can suggest overwatering If your African Milk Tree is dying and developing soft leaves, then overwatering might be to blame. As African Milk Trees are succulents (that look like Cacti), they really don't need much water to thrive and prefer a dry potting mix.

Can I cut top off African Milk Tree?

Your plant is called a Euphorbia Trigona, also called an African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus. It looks like a cactus but really isn't one. It is a deciduous succulent from western Africa. You can't trim any of the stems, but you can totally remove some to make the plant more manageable.

Can African Milk Tree take full sun?

African milk trees are bright light plants and worship the sun and require at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. While they will tolerate partial shade and indirect light you will find they thrive in a bright sunny location. Sunny, south facing windows usually allow for the best lighting.

How do you take care of an African Milk Tree in the winter?

During the winter, you won't need to water your African Milk Tree as much, as plants slow down their growth. Be sure to check whether the soil of your Milk tree is dry before you water your plant. This will generally take a little longer during the winter. On average, you'll water your plant every 2-3 weeks.

What do you do with euphorbia in the winter?

Cut whole plant back to the ground in autumn Then cut back the plant to the ground before the first frosts – it will reappear next year.

How long does an African Milk Tree live?

Another interesting use of the African Milk Tree is in tropical Africa, where this plant is used ceremonially and is planted as part of some rituals. African Milk Trees can live to a very old age. They've even been known to still be able to flower at 60 years old!

What is the best fertilizer for African Milk Tree?

Feed the African milk tree 2 or 3 times monthly throughout the growing season, from early April through early October. Use an all-purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer or a cactus and succulent preparation. Follow the packaging instructions. Don't fertilize this plant when it's not actively growing.

Do African milk trees like sun or shade?

How much light does an African milk tree need? The euphorbia trigona likes bright sunlight, so a southern facing window is an ideal location for this plant. At least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day will keep your African milk tree happy and healthy. The more bright light you give the plant, the faster it will grow.

Should I repot my African Milk Tree?

The African milk tree likes full sun and requires little water. If you're growing the plant in a container, plan to repot it once every two or three years, preferably in the spring.

What is the benefit of African Milk Tree?

Several drops of latex from warmed leaves are taken to expel intestinal parasites and sometimes tapeworm. The leaf sap is also used to treat cardiac problems and excessive menstruation. A few drops of the latex is applied topically to warts, the latex is also applied to sores as a treatment for syphilis.

How much light does an African Milk Tree need?

African milk trees can scorch with too much bright light, so place your plant in a spot that gets a mix of full sun and partial shade throughout the day. Ample light and air circulation will help prevent root rot. 4.

What temperature do African milk plants like?

The African Milk Tree is drought tolerant and is able to store water in its stems. The plant prefers a warm, dry climate with temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Do not provide extra humidity as it leaves the African Milk plant vulnerable to pests and disease.

Is African Milk Tree a cactus or succulent?

The African Milk trees are succulents, which means they only require a small amount of water. Indoor plants should be watered once a week with a moderate amount of water.

What happens if you touch a Euphorbia?

SIDE EFFECTS FROM EUPHORBIA SAP These plants secrete a milky sap that can be poisonous to humans and animals. The sap is usually found on the leaves of the succulent. If someone gets it on any exposed skin, it can cause a rash. If Euphorbia sap gets into the eyes, it can result in redness and pain.

Can Euphorbia be a houseplant?

Got a very bright spot in your house that's begging for a plant? Columnar euphorbia are intricate, sculptural succulents that will happily grow indoors with proper care and attention.

How cold can Euphorbia tolerate?

Firesticks, Euphorbia tirucalli, responds to cold stress by glowing red. The species is hardy to 25°F. Great as a sculptural container plant, Moroccan mound, Euphorbia resinifera, also does well in-ground with a cold-tolerance down to 20°F.

How poisonous is African Milk Tree?

African Milk Trees are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Some people experience skin irritation when handling the sap.

Why is my African Milk Tree not growing leaves?

This plant needs good light levels and if you can't give this, a grow light will be required. If the light being received is too low, you'll have little to no new growth. New leaves will only grow on one side of the plant and stems may also bend towards light sources rather than straight upwards.