Get ready for a wild and vibrant journey into the world of the Green African Milk Tree - Euphorbia trigona 'Green'! Native to Central Africa, this extraordinary plant is all about fast growth and vibrant foliage. It is also known as the African milk bush plant. The Trigona refers to the triangular shape of the stems with three distinct sides, resembling a triangle (if it has four sides, you may have a Euphorbia Acrurensis instead).
This Euphorbia plant is a hybrid between a cactus and a succulent plant, like many others in the Euphorbia genus yet it exhibits characteristics of both. Its thorny and water storing stem gives it a cactus-like appearance that earned it nicknames like African milk tree cactus, candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, and good luck cactus. But it's not really a cactus at all; it's a succulent plant! It's easy to unintentionally treat it like a cactus, which can cause problems for new owners, but if you follow our care recommendations further below, you'll be fine.
With its triangular, upright, columnar stems adorned with ridges peppered with thorns and tear-drop-shaped leaves, that stay lush green throughout its growth season. It can grow up to an impressive 9 feet tall. However, indoors they'll keep things more compact but still incredibly impressive. This Euphorbia trigona also has a stunning Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' or Royal Red variety with bright red foliage that comes late in the season.
The flowers of the African milk tree bloom during the spring and summer, under bright sunlight.
Plus, propagating an African milk tree can be easily done through stem cuttings. The African milk tree, Euphorbia trigona, is named for its milky white latex sap, which resembles milk. This sap serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores but can be toxic and irritating, so avoid contact and handle the plant with care.
African Milk Tree Care
Watering Needs
Euphorbia plants like the green African milk tree, a drought tolerant plant that is adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their stems for months at a time. During summer you should only water them once every 3-4 weeks at the most. Do not water them unless the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches.
On the other hand, if there is a severe drought or you forget to water them for over a couple of months during the summer then it can lead to discoloration and a shriveling look as it consumes more of the water in its interior.
In the fall and winter, the African milk tree plant goes into a dormant phase. During this time the Euphorbia plant growth slows down, and it may lose some of its leaves or shrink in size. Additionally, the cooler temperatures and short days of fall and winter can trigger the plant to enter dormancy, as these conditions are less favorable for growth. The Green Trigona will resume its growth and water requirements once the weather warms up and the days get longer.
When you water them, the most important thing is to take care not to overwater them as this wet soil can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Light Requirements
Like many other Euphorbias, this African milk tree loves bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives in a spot where it can receive plenty of bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Placing it near a window that gets a good amount of natural light is ideal. However, be cautious not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
In terms of specific light conditions, Euphorbia trigona green prefers a balance between full sun and partial shade. It can tolerate some periods of direct sunlight, especially during morning or evening hours, but it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. If you notice the leaves of your African succulent turning yellow or brown, it could be a sign that it's getting too much direct light.
Remember to rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light distribution to all sides. This will help prevent your Euphorbia trigona from leaning or growing unevenly toward the light source.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Euphorbia trigona prefers 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 organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
Natural fertilizers with an equal ratio of NPK (5-10-5) are the best choice as they last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage African milk tree plants health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Euphorbia trigona succulent some love with a good natural fertilizer!
Hardiness Zone & More
Euphorbia trigona green is native to dry or arid climates. It prefers warm temperatures (ranging from 65°F to 85°F) and high humidity, which are typically suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, which are characterized by mild winters and warm climates. It may not tolerate cold temperatures well, so it's important to protect it from frost and cold drafts. It's important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and keep it away from cold drafts or hot, dry air. Only gardeners in arid climates (parts of Texas, California, Florida, and Arizona) in North America can grow African milk trees outdoors.
In regard to humidity, Euphorbia trigona green appreciates higher humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 50% to 70% to create a comfortable environment for the plant. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water near the plant to provide some moisture in the air.
We think you will love this plant – order your very own Euphorbia trigona - a green healthy African Milk Tree for sale today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!
| Bloom Season | Spring, Summer |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia lactea |
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia trigona |
| Common Name | Dragon bones, candelabra spurge, false cactus, mottled spurge, milkstripe Euphorbia |
| Common Name | Green African milk tree, candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, good luck cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Flower Color | Pinkish, green, yellow |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Branched |
| Growth Habit | Upright, Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Moderately fast |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 15 ft. tall |
| Mature Size | 9 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Native Area | Africa, India |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic for humans, mildly toxic for pets (Keeps away from Children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Get ready for a wild and vibrant journey into the world of the Green African Milk Tree - Euphorbia trigona 'Green'! Native to Central Africa, this extraordinary plant is all about fast growth and vibrant foliage. It is also known as the African milk bush plant. The Trigona refers to the triangular shape of the stems with three distinct sides, resembling a triangle (if it has four sides, you may have a Euphorbia Acrurensis instead).
This Euphorbia plant is a hybrid between a cactus and a succulent plant, like many others in the Euphorbia genus yet it exhibits characteristics of both. Its thorny and water storing stem gives it a cactus-like appearance that earned it nicknames like African milk tree cactus, candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, and good luck cactus. But it's not really a cactus at all; it's a succulent plant! It's easy to unintentionally treat it like a cactus, which can cause problems for new owners, but if you follow our care recommendations further below, you'll be fine.
With its triangular, upright, columnar stems adorned with ridges peppered with thorns and tear-drop-shaped leaves, that stay lush green throughout its growth season. It can grow up to an impressive 9 feet tall. However, indoors they'll keep things more compact but still incredibly impressive. This Euphorbia trigona also has a stunning Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' or Royal Red variety with bright red foliage that comes late in the season.
The flowers of the African milk tree bloom during the spring and summer, under bright sunlight.
Plus, propagating an African milk tree can be easily done through stem cuttings. The African milk tree, Euphorbia trigona, is named for its milky white latex sap, which resembles milk. This sap serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores but can be toxic and irritating, so avoid contact and handle the plant with care.
African Milk Tree Care
Watering Needs
Euphorbia plants like the green African milk tree, a drought tolerant plant that is adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their stems for months at a time. During summer you should only water them once every 3-4 weeks at the most. Do not water them unless the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches.
On the other hand, if there is a severe drought or you forget to water them for over a couple of months during the summer then it can lead to discoloration and a shriveling look as it consumes more of the water in its interior.
In the fall and winter, the African milk tree plant goes into a dormant phase. During this time the Euphorbia plant growth slows down, and it may lose some of its leaves or shrink in size. Additionally, the cooler temperatures and short days of fall and winter can trigger the plant to enter dormancy, as these conditions are less favorable for growth. The Green Trigona will resume its growth and water requirements once the weather warms up and the days get longer.
When you water them, the most important thing is to take care not to overwater them as this wet soil can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Light Requirements
Like many other Euphorbias, this African milk tree loves bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives in a spot where it can receive plenty of bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Placing it near a window that gets a good amount of natural light is ideal. However, be cautious not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
In terms of specific light conditions, Euphorbia trigona green prefers a balance between full sun and partial shade. It can tolerate some periods of direct sunlight, especially during morning or evening hours, but it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. If you notice the leaves of your African succulent turning yellow or brown, it could be a sign that it's getting too much direct light.
Remember to rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light distribution to all sides. This will help prevent your Euphorbia trigona from leaning or growing unevenly toward the light source.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Euphorbia trigona prefers 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 organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
Natural fertilizers with an equal ratio of NPK (5-10-5) are the best choice as they last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage African milk tree plants health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Euphorbia trigona succulent some love with a good natural fertilizer!
Hardiness Zone & More
Euphorbia trigona green is native to dry or arid climates. It prefers warm temperatures (ranging from 65°F to 85°F) and high humidity, which are typically suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, which are characterized by mild winters and warm climates. It may not tolerate cold temperatures well, so it's important to protect it from frost and cold drafts. It's important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and keep it away from cold drafts or hot, dry air. Only gardeners in arid climates (parts of Texas, California, Florida, and Arizona) in North America can grow African milk trees outdoors.
In regard to humidity, Euphorbia trigona green appreciates higher humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 50% to 70% to create a comfortable environment for the plant. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water near the plant to provide some moisture in the air.
We think you will love this plant – order your very own Euphorbia trigona - a green healthy African Milk Tree for sale today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!
| Bloom Season | Spring, Summer |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia lactea |
| Botanical Name | Euphorbia trigona |
| Common Name | Dragon bones, candelabra spurge, false cactus, mottled spurge, milkstripe Euphorbia |
| Common Name | Green African milk tree, candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, good luck cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Flower Color | Pinkish, green, yellow |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Growth Habit | Branched |
| Growth Habit | Upright, Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Moderately fast |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 15 ft. tall |
| Mature Size | 9 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Native Area | Africa, India |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic for humans, mildly toxic for pets (Keeps away from Children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |