Introducing the stunning African milk tree, known as Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', the perfect addition to any collection of Euphorbias. The African milk tree is named after its white, milky sap, which is of African origin and is referred to as a "milk tree."

The African milk tree has many other common names, such as the Royal Red, the Abyssinian Euphorbia, and the High Chaparral. Though this euphorbia plant also goes by the names "candelabra cactus," "cathedral cactus," "friendship cactus," and "good luck cactus." This red Euphorbia milk tree is actually a succulent plant, despite looking a lot like a cactus.

The Rubra or Royal Red variety is well known for its vibrant Euphorbia cactus color, which develops late in the growing season.

African milk bush has a long lifespan and grows quickly, gaining 1 to 2 feet per year and reaching a height of 9 feet in just 3-5 years. When grown indoors, however, this African milk tree will only reach approximately half of its maximum height.

The African milk tree has branches that resemble three winged angles and are covered in leaves and short, prickly spines. Euphorbia rubra has a vibrant purple-red color on its stem and leaves, while Euphorbia trigona has a bronzish hue. Its red teardrop-shaped leaves last for one or two seasons and can be propagated for a more impressive hedge houseplant collection.

The flowers of the African Milk Tree are typically green or yellow in color and are surrounded by colorful bracts. It's actually quite rare for it to produce flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, however, this Euphorbia trigona rubra can produce small, inconspicuous flowers during the spring and summer months. 

Propagating the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona rubra) by stem cuttings is a rewarding experience, just as it is for the Green African Milk Tree. Take a healthy stem, callouse it, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant.

Additionally, the sap of the African milk tree is mildly toxic to both pets and humans and can cause blisters, severe eye irritation, and convulsions if swallowed. So, always keep Euphorbia trigona rubra away from pets and children.

Watering Needs

The African milk tree is a drought-tolerant succulent plant that is adapted to dry conditions. As such, the African milk tree plant is able to store water in its leaves and stems. When the soil is dry to the touch, it is an indication that your Euphorbia trigona rubra needs water. To water an African milk tree, it should be given moderate water so that the soil is moist throughout the pot but not so much that the soil is constantly wet.

In general, the Euphorbia trigona rubra African milk tree should be watered less frequently in the winter when it is dormant and more frequently in the summer when it is actively growing.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your red African milk tree. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent this.

Light Requirements

If growing indoors, the African Milk Tree thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive plenty of bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves. If you notice the stems stretching or the leaves losing their vibrant color, it might be an indication that your African milk tree is not receiving enough bright light. In such cases, you can supplement its light requirements with the help of artificial grow lights.

When growing outdoors, your Euphorbia trigona rubra prefers full sun to partial shade. The African milk tree can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn. In general, it should be placed in a location that receives bright but filtered light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain.

Remember, if you live in a region with a mild climate, you can consider placing your African milk tree plant in a partially shaded area outdoors. However, if you reside in a hot and arid region, it's best to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn.

Additionally, if they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten. So, make your milk plant happy and give it plenty of bright sunlight. If your Euphorbia trigona rubra is not receiving enough light, the leaves may become pale or yellow, while too much light can cause the leaves to turn brown or black.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The African milk plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining soil, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of new growth and a strong root system that helps your healthy plant thrive.  The African milk tree grows best within a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It's important to avoid using heavy clay soils or soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot or other issues.

When it comes to fertilizing your healthy African milk tree Euphorbia trigona rubra, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. The Euphorbia tree prefers fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

Native to Central Africa, this desert-dwelling African milk tree plant can live for many years as an indoor plant in a dry, warm, or arid climate where temperatures do not fall below freezing. If you are growing your Euphorbia trigona rubra indoors, they prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your cactus gets too hot. In the United States, that usually means they're indoor plants or grown in a greenhouse in areas with colder climates, at least for part of the year.

If you are living in USDA zones 9–11, you can grow your Euphorbia trigona rubra outdoors year-round. Remember, these perennial succulents cannot handle frost or cold temperatures, but African milk trees are not truly hardy plants, and prolonged exposure will almost certainly cause some damage. So, make sure they don't get below 45 F in their environment. 

Remember, this Euphorbia spurge doesn't require additional humidity, so growing it in a humid location could stress it out and lead to fungus growth or pest infestation.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona rubra) is a stunning and captivating succulent that will surely steal the show in any plant collection. With its vibrant red stems and unique branching pattern, it adds a touch of exotic beauty to any space. When it comes to African milk tree care, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Just be cautious of its milky sap, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'—the African milk tree—today!