Get ready for a wild and vibrant journey into the world of the Green African Milk Tree, known as Euphorbia trigona 'Green'! Native to Central Africa, this extraordinary plant is all about fast growth and vibrant foliage.  

The African milk tree 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 the growing season, the African milk tree grows up to 9 feet tall. However, indoors they'll keep things more compact but still incredibly impressive. 

The flowers of the African milk tree bloom during the spring and summer, under bright sunlight. These flowers are typically small and white, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Additionally, 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. 

This Euphorbia trigona also has a stunning Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' or Royal Red variety with bright red foliage that comes late in the season. 

Watering Needs

Like other Euphorbia plants, the African milk tree, a drought-tolerant is adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in its 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.   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 

When growing indoors, 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 this indoor plant 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. 

When growing outdoors, the Euphorbia trigona green 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

When growing indoor, this plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. It's important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and drafts, as they can stress the plant. 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.

For outdoor cultivation, the Euphorbia trigona is generally suited for zones 9 to 11. These zones typically experience mild to warm climates throughout the year. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F, but it's best to protect it from freezing temperatures and frost. If you live in a colder region, it's recommended to keep this plant indoors or provide it with proper protection during winter.

In terms of humidity, the Euphorbia trigona is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. It can thrive in average household humidity, but it's important to avoid excessively dry conditions. If the air in your home is particularly dry, especially during winter months or in arid climates, you can increase humidity around the plant by using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near it. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Euphorbia trigona (African milk tree) is a unique and fascinating plant. Its distinctive features include tall, branching stems with triangular sections and sharp spines. This plant adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor or outdoor space. When it comes to care, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives in warm conditions. Remember to water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Additionally, take care to protect it from freezing temperatures and frost if you live in a colder climate. With proper care and attention, the Euphorbia trigona will reward you with its striking appearance and resilience.

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!