Euphorbia trigona, which is commonly known as African Milk Tree or Friendship Cactus, is a tall succulent with a unique appearance. Their leaves grow along the ridges of the plant’s stems. Despite the African Milk Tree’s exotic appearance, this plant low-maintenance as long as it is grown in an environment that is exposed to enough light.
Like other succulents, Euphorbia trigona, which is commonly known as African Milk Tree, does best when grown in bright light. African Milk Tree should be watered thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering sessions.
| Scientific Name | Euphorbia trigona |
| Common Names | African Milk Tree/African Milk Cactus Friendship Cactus Good Luck Plant |
| Lighting Requirements | Full sun or partial shade if grown outdoors. |
| Watering Requirements | Soak and dry method – water thoroughly and allow the plant to dry completely between watering sessions. Water less frequently during the winter months. |
| Temperature | Does best in temperatures between 35°F and 90°F. USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11. |
| Soil | Well-draining soil mix (2 parts sand, 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite) or cactus/succulent potting soil. |
| Fertilization | Fertilize one time during the late spring and one time during the summer with an all-purpose or succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. |
| Propagation | Stem Cuttings |
| Toxicity | Milky latex sap is toxic if ingested by pets or humans and is a skin irritant. |
The rest of this article will include detailed care instructions as well as some background information on African Milk Tree’s native habitat.
About African Milk Tree
Euphorbia trigona is native to Namibia which is a country in Southern Africa and is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. African Milk Tree’s native habitat is arid, and there is an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Rainfall is very sporadic, and droughts are common.
African Milk Tree can be grown outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 10 through 11. If the temperature dips below 35°F, it is best to bring your plant indoors.
Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra’
A common variety of Euphorbia trigona is Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra,’ which is commonly known as Red African Milk Tree. When exposed to intense sunlight, Red African Milk Tree will turn a red or burgundy color. These plants will often lose their red coloring during the winter months or if the plant is kept in shade.
Lighting Requirements For African Milk Tree
Like other succulents and cacti, African Milk Tree does best when grown in bright light. African Milk Trees grown outdoors should be placed in a location that is exposed to full sun or partial shade. These conditions most closely reflect the plant’s natural habitat.
African Milk Trees grown indoors should be placed next to a south-facing or west-facing window. Ideally, these plants will be exposed to 14-16 hours each day. During the winter months, you may need to supplement natural sunlight with artificial lighting.
Watering Requirements For African Milk Tree
Ideally, you should water your African Milk Tree abundantly and allow the soil to dry out completely before you water again. This watering method will keep your plant looking healthy and beautiful. However, the African Milk Tree will tolerate irregular watering.
The frequency of watering will depend on the season and your African Milk Tree’s exposure to light. You may need to water your African Milk Tree once per week during the hot summer months, but only once every two or three weeks during the winter months. Similarly, an African Milk Tree that is grown in a spot exposed to intense sunlight requires more water than an African Milk Tree kept in shade.
As previously mentioned, African Milk Tree is native to an arid habitat that experiences extended periods of drought. As a result, this plant has adapted to withstand long periods of time without water. However, Euphorbias can develop root rot problems fairly easily if they are overwatered. For this reason, it is better to err on the side of underwatering.
Best Soil Mix For African Milk Tree
African Milk Tree should be grown in well-draining soil to minimize the chance of root rot or overwatering. The best soil mix for succulents like African Milk Tree is as follows:
- 2 parts sand
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part perlite.
If you do not mix your own soil, grow your African Milk Tree in a succulent or cactus potting soil.
Because African Milk Tree is a taller plant, it is important to grow your plant in a pot that contains enough soil to keep your plant upright. For this reason, it is important to put this plant in a container that is fairly tall.
Fertilizing African Milk Tree
Like other succulents, African Milk Tree does not require a significant amount of fertilizer to continue growing. African Milk Tree will continue to survive without fertilizer. However, your African Milk Tree will grow more quickly and have a healthier appearance if it is given a little bit of fertilizer.
Fertilize your African Milk Tree one time during the late spring and one time during the summer with an all-purpose fertilizer or a succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Excessive fertilization can be detrimental to plant health. If you start to notice a white crust forming on the soil surface, flush the soil profile with water. Flushing the soil with water will remove some of the excess minerals.
Propagating African Milk Tree
Propagating your African Milk Tree gives you the opportunity to grow new plants from your African Milk Tree. The steps for propagating African Milk Tree are as follows:
- Use a pair of sharp scissors or a knife to take a cutting of the plant.
- Run the end of the plant under some water until the sap stops oozing out.
- Allow the end of the cutting to callous over in order to minimize the chance of disease.
- Dip the calloused end in rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in moist soil. Keep the soil moist (not soaking wet), and the cutting should root in a couple of weeks.
SAFETY NOTE: Wear thick gloves when propagating/handling African Milk Tree. This will prevent the skin-irritating sap from making contact with your hands.
Is African Milk Tree Toxic?
Like other Euphorbias, African Milk Tree has a milky, latex substance that is toxic if ingested. This substance is also a severe skin irritant. For this reason, it is important to wear eye protection and gloves when handling your African Milk Tree.