African Milk Tree (Euphorbia Trigona)

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia Trigona)

Botanical Name: Euphorbia Trigona

Also Known as:

•  African Milk Bush

Plant Type: The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a succulent plant.

The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is native to Central Africa. It is often grown as a hedge there, useful for its rapid and enthusiastic growth, though its roots are not invasive. Though it looks a lot like a cactus, it is actually a succulent plant. It has many folk names, including candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, good luck plant. or good luck cactus (the good luck attribution is probably due to how quickly it grows, and how easily it propagates). It stays lush and green throughout its growing season, and new growth has a lighter green color than the base plant. The Rubra or Royal Red cultivar is very popular for its dramatic coloring: It takes on bright red accents later in the season.

Light: Prefers bright light. Protect for direct sun may burn the plant.

Soil: Sandy soil or a potting mix formulated for cacti will allow for better water drainage. You can also add pumice or perlite to potting soil to improve its ability to drain water.

Water:The African milk bush is drought tolerant and likes to dry out completely between each watering. They will not tolerate wet or soggy soil and do not like to be left standing in water.

Temperature: This plant prefers reasonably warm temperatures, ideally from 15-27°C. Avoid lower temperatures and cold draughts.

Fertilizer: During the plant’s growing season in the spring and summer, treat it to water-soluble fertilizer once a month.

(Flowering plants only blossom naturally in their respective seasons. Fruit bearing plants only produce fruits naturally during their growing seasons. All plants are sold in generic nursery pots, and may naturally vary in colors/sizes from the exact images illustrated above.)