Introducing the stunning and distinctive milk plant, the perfect addition to any collection of Euphorbias. The African milk tree, also known as Euphorbia trigona "Rubra," is a vibrant, delicate, evergreen succulent native to Central Africa. It is known as the African Milk Tree because it has milky sap and its origin (Africa). The name "milk tree" refers to the appearance of the sap, which is white and milky in color.

It has many other common names 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 Euphorbia tree is actually a succulent despite looking a lot like a cactus. The Rubra or Royal Red variety is well known for the Euphorbia cactus vibrant 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 milk tree will only reach approximately half of its maximum height. It blooms in the spring and summer with small white African milk tree flowers that are not particularly showy.

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.

Remember that the sap of the African milk tree is toxic to both pets and humans and can cause blisters, severe eye irritation, and convulsions if swallowed. So, always keep it away from pets and children.

Watering Needs

The African milk tree is a drought-tolerant plant that is adapted to dry conditions. As such, it is able to store water in its leaves and stems. When the soil is dry to the touch, it is an indication that the plant needs water. To water the plant, 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 plant 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 the plant. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent this.

Light Requirements

Euphorbia trigona rubra prefers bright, indirect sunlight. 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.

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 the plant 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 potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of new growth of a strong root system that helps your healthy plant to 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, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. The euphorbia tree prefers a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

The African milk tree plant, as a desert dweller, can live for many years in a dry, warm dry, or arid climate where temperatures do not fall below freezing. 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. 

On the other hand, these perennial succulents cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 45 

F in its environment.  However, they can survive in zones 9 - 11 (USDA). Therefore, if you live somewhere warm, you can leave them in your garden all year round. 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. 

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! 

Bloom Season	Spring
Bloom Season	Spring, summer
Botanical Name	Euphorbia trigona
Botanical Name	Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'
Common Name	African milk tree, Royal Red, Abyssinian euphorbia, Cathedral cactus, Friendship cactus, Good luck cactus
Dormancy	Winter
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Flower Color	Red
Flower Color	Red, white
Genus	Euphorbia
Growth Habit	Candelabra
Growth Rate	Fast
Hardiness Zone	9, 10, 11
Hardiness Zone	10 11(USDA)
Mature Size	69 ft. tall
Mature Size	69 ft. tall, 12 ft. wide
Mature Size	9 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
Native Area	Africa
Plant Type	Succulent
Plant Type	Succulent, shrub
Propagation	By arms
Propagation	By cuttings
Resistance	Drought tolerant
Resistance	Drought tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant
Soil PH	6.5
Soil PH	6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type	Succulents potting mix soil
Special Features	Easy to maintain
Special Features	Easy to maintain, easy to grow
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity	Toxic for humans
Toxicity	Toxic for humans, toxic for pets
Toxicity	Toxic for humans, toxic for pets(Keeps away from Children)
Watering Needs	Moderate